The father of the Durgapur medical student who was allegedly raped last week has dramatically shifted his public stance on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Days after likening the Chief Minister’s rule to that of Aurangzeb and expressing loss of faith in Bengal's law and order, he has now described Banerjee as a "mother-like figure" and explicitly sought her intervention for his daughter’s justice.
Earlier this week, reacting to Banerjee’s controversial comments regarding women venturing out at night, the victim’s father issued an angry statement: "It seems Bengal is under the rule of Aurangzeb. I want to take my daughter back to Odisha. Her life comes first, career later." He also demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, publicly rebuking the Chief Minister for what he saw as shifting blame on the victim rather than addressing safety.
However, on Wednesday, the father issued an emotional public apology and renewed appeal, telling television channels and reporters: "Mamata Banerjee is like a mother-like figure to me. If I have said anything wrong, I ask her to forgive me. I will render countless obeisance at her feet. But I ask her to help my daughter get justice." He reiterated his desire for a CBI probe and said he intended to take his daughter back to Odisha when doctors allowed, maintaining concerns about her safety in West Bengal.
Six people, including the friend who accompanied the student on the night of October 10, have been arrested in connection with the assault. Police initially registered the case as gang-rape, but further investigation and the survivor’s statement suggest only one person committed the assault, with the presence of others being established at the scene.
The evolving statements highlight the charged emotional and political atmosphere surrounding the case, as well as persistent public pressure on the state’s leadership to ensure justice and restore confidence in women’s safety.
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