Kolkata: The shocking gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur has plunged West Bengal into turmoil, with Governor CV Ananda Bose’s explosive remarks fuelling speculation of President’s Rule.
After a poignant hospital meeting with the survivor and her family on October 13, Bose voiced deep alarm over the state’s crumbling law and order, declaring that Bengal’s people crave constitutional intervention to restore safety.
Bose, who rushed to the private hospital where the Odisha native is recovering from severe trauma — including lacerations and heavy bleeding — stopped short of a direct call but underscored authorities’ powers. “The public wants President’s Rule,” he told reporters in Howrah en route, later adding from Durgapur, “I lack confidence to say Bengal is safe for women anymore. Such atrocities are rising — we need a second renaissance to halt this.” He vowed stern action, stressing collective resolve: “Stop it, or we will make it stop.”
The assault unfolded on October 10 near a private medical college, where the victim was allegedly dragged into a forest by five men, one her classmate, and brutalised with threats of summoning more attackers. Police have arrested all five individuals, reconstructing the crime scene overnight and searching homes for evidence. Shockingly, one accused is the son of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, according to Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, who lambasted the ruling party: “When rulers become predators, justice vanishes.”
TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty fired back, dismissing Bose’s seniority: “Bengal’s people won’t allow President’s Rule — BJP lacks the two-thirds majority.” BJP’s Shankar Ghosh hailed the Governor’s candour as a mirror to the “collapsed administration”, demanding accountability.
As protests swell and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urges campus curfews for women, the row exposes Bengal’s deepening divide. With medical reports confirming the rape, the nation watches: Will Bose recommend drastic measures, or will politics prevail over justice?