West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sparked controversy with her reaction to the alleged gang rape of an MBBS student in Durgapur, asking why the young woman was reportedly outside the private medical college at 12:30 a.m..

Her remarks came during a press briefing, where she questioned the safety protocols of private colleges, stating, “How did she come out at 12:30 am? … The girls must be protected and not allowed to leave hostels at night.”  She also called for stricter oversight within college campuses and reiterated that no culprit would be spared.

The victim’s parents, however, claim they were informed of the assault around 9:30 p.m., suggesting the incident took place earlier in the evening—well before midnight.  The student had reportedly gone out for dinner with a friend, and the attack allegedly occurred near a forested area outside the campus.

Critics argue that Mamata’s remark shifts focus from the crime itself to the victim’s movements, and underscores long-standing debates around victim blaming. Meanwhile, the state police say three suspects have been arrested, and an investigation is underway.