'What can be done if a friend rapes friend?' TMC leader on Kolkata gangrape

Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Kalyan Banerjee has sparked widespread outrage following his controversial comments regarding the gangrape of a 24-year-old law student in South Kolkata. The incident, which has sent shockwaves across the city, involved the young woman being assaulted by individuals she considered friends. Banerjee's remarks have drawn criticism from various quarters for seemingly trivializing the gravity of the crime and failing to acknowledge the victim's trauma. Banerjee questioned, "What can be done if a friend rapes a friend?" This statement has been condemned by activists and political opponents alike, who argue that it reflects a dangerous normalization of sexual violence and a lack of empathy for survivors. Critics emphasize the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their relationship to the victim, and call for more stringent measures to prevent such crimes. In response to the backlash, TMC has distanced itself from Banerjee's comments, reiterating its commitment to justice for the victim. The party has pledged to support the ongoing investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussions on the safety of women in urban areas and the urgent need for systemic changes to protect vulnerable individuals from sexual violence.

— Authored by Next24 Live