Bengal Minister Under Fire for Terming Kolkata Law College Gang-Rape a ‘Small Incident’

Bengal Minister Faces Backlash Over ‘Small Incident’ Remark in Kolkata Gang-Rape Case; Later Issues Clarification.

West Bengal Minister Manas Bhunia has come under fire after a video surfaced in which he allegedly referred to the gang-rape of a 24-year-old law student at South Calcutta Law College as a “small incident.” The remark sparked political uproar, with the BJP accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of trivialising the horrific crime.

The controversy follows a series of contentious statements from TMC leaders. Earlier, MLA Madan Mitra appeared to blame the victim, while MP Kalyan Banerjee suggested, “What can be done if a friend rapes a friend?” These remarks, coupled with Bhunia’s alleged statement, have triggered a wave of condemnation.

Sharing the video on X, BJP West Bengal co-incharge Amit Malviya slammed the TMC, calling it a “protector of rapists.” He wrote, “As the nation reels in horror, TMC leaders are busy normalising rape to appease their political boss — Mamata Banerjee.”

Malviya claimed the student was “brutalised, filmed, and left shattered by TMCP leaders,” referring to the Trinamool Congress’s student wing. The prime accused, Monojit Mishra, is a former student of the law college and reportedly linked to the TMCP.

“This isn’t just a crime — it reflects a party culture that enables misogyny,” Malviya added. “In Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal, a woman’s dignity is disposable — as long as the perpetrator shouts the right political slogan.”

In response, the Trinamool Congress rejected the allegations and accused the BJP of launching a “malicious smear campaign.” The party said Bhunia’s remarks were misquoted and taken out of context.

Bhunia later issued a clarification: “I strongly condemn the Kasba incident. My previous comments were unrelated to the case and have been misrepresented to defame me. Our Chief Minister does not tolerate such crimes, and swift police action has already been taken.”

The TMC warned the BJP that defamation has consequences, stating, “No matter how loud the lies, the truth will prevail.”

The gang-rape case, which has gripped public attention, continues to be a flashpoint in West Bengal politics as opposition parties demand accountability and action from the ruling government.