Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A political firestorm has erupted in West Bengal following highly controversial remarks by veteran Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Saugata Roy regarding a rape case in Kolkata. While commenting on the incident, Roy questioned the state's ability to prevent such crimes when the perpetrator and victim know each other, sparking widespread outrage and accusations of trivializing a heinous crime.
The controversy was ignited by Roy’s comments to the media, where he stated, "What can be done if a friend rapes a friend? It is not possible for the state to stop such incidents." The statement was immediately condemned as deeply insensitive and an attempt to absolve the state government of its responsibility to ensure the safety of its citizens.
TMC MP comes out in support of rapists!
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) June 27, 2025
In Kasba, a college student has been gang-raped by a TMCP leader and his gang. But TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee calls women’s safety concerns a mere “political agenda.”
In the RG Kar rape case, as Bengal rose in protest through “Raat Jago,”… pic.twitter.com/GL0r9TM0ee
The reaction from political opponents was swift and severe. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack, with leaders accusing Roy and the ruling TMC of fostering a culture of impunity and displaying a "perverse mindset" towards crimes against women.
BJP leader Agnimitra Paul described the comment as "shocking" and "shameful," arguing that rape is a crime regardless of the relationship between the individuals involved. She asserted that it is the government's absolute duty to maintain law and order and protect women.
Echoing these sentiments, Amit Malviya, the head of BJP's IT cell, stated that Roy's words reflected a disturbing attempt to normalize a horrific crime and shift blame away from the administration's failings. He framed the comment as part of a larger pattern of deteriorating law and order under the TMC government in West Bengal.
Beyond the immediate political fallout, Roy's comments have been widely criticized for appearing to engage in victim-blaming and fundamentally misunderstanding the nature of rape, where the absence of consent is the sole determinant of the crime, not the pre-existing relationship between the parties. Critics argue that such statements from a person in a position of power can dangerously undermine the fight for justice for survivors of sexual assault.
Facing intense criticism from all quarters, Saugata Roy later attempted to clarify his position, claiming he had been misquoted by the media. He asserted that rape is a heinous crime that must always be condemned and that his intention was not to downplay its severity.
However, the damage was already done. The incident has left a significant mark on the political discourse, fueling a wider debate on political accountability, the language used by public figures, and the state's fundamental duty to ensure the safety and security of all women.
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