Political Storm in Bengal: Minister Denies Downplaying Kolkata Rape as ‘Small Incident’ After BJP Allegations

Kolkata, West Bengal – A political firestorm erupted in West Bengal this week after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that a senior minister in the Mamata Banerjee-led government referred to the recent Kolkata rape case as a “small incident.” The controversy, fueled by heated exchanges and viral social media posts, has reignited debates over women’s safety, political accountability, and the perils of misinformation in the state’s charged atmosphere.

The Incident That Sparked Outrage

The controversy centers around the alleged rape of a 19-year-old woman in central Kolkata last Saturday. The incident, already a source of public anguish and protest, took a political turn when BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar accused Urban Development Minister Tapas Roy of trivializing the crime during a press interaction.

According to the BJP, Roy dismissed the incident as a “chhoto ghotona” (small incident) when asked about government action. The party’s official social media handles quickly circulated a video clip, claiming it as evidence of the minister’s insensitivity. “This is the reality of TMC’s governance—women’s safety is a ‘small incident’ for them,” Majumdar tweeted, demanding Roy’s resignation.

Minister Tapas Roy Denies Allegations

Minister Tapas Roy, however, has vehemently denied making any such remark. Addressing a hasty press conference at Nabanna, the state secretariat, Roy accused the BJP of “twisting words and spreading lies for political mileage.”

“I never called the incident ‘small.’ My words have been taken out of context and manipulated. I said that no incident of violence against women is small and every such case must be dealt with seriously,” Roy stated, holding up a transcript of his original comments.

Roy further accused the opposition of exploiting a sensitive issue for electoral gains. “The BJP is playing dirty politics over the trauma of a young woman. Their claims are baseless and shameful,” he said.

Political Blame Game Escalates

The war of words quickly escalated, with both parties trading barbs on television debates and social media. The BJP staged protests outside police headquarters, demanding justice for the victim and action against Roy. TMC supporters countered with rallies accusing the BJP of “manufacturing outrage” and diverting attention from the state’s progress on women’s welfare.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee weighed in late Tuesday, backing her minister and promising a fair investigation into the crime. “Our government stands with every daughter of Bengal. We will not allow anyone to politicize their pain,” she said.

Public Reaction and Social Media Frenzy

As the political drama unfolded, citizens took to social media to express both anger and confusion. Hashtags like #JusticeForKolkataVictim and #StopPoliticalDrama trended simultaneously, reflecting the polarized mood.

“I don’t care who said what, I just want the criminals punished and women to feel safe,” said Priyanka Das, a college student who joined a candlelight vigil at Park Street. “Politicians should focus on justice, not blame games.”

Fact-Checking and Media Responsibility

Several independent fact-checkers reviewed the full video of Roy’s statement. While some acknowledged that his remarks could be misinterpreted when taken out of context, the consensus was that the viral clip lacked crucial context and appeared selectively edited.

Media watchdogs have called for greater caution in reporting sensitive issues, warning that half-truths can inflame tensions and derail real progress on women’s safety.

A Call for Focus on Justice

As the investigation into the Kolkata rape case continues, activists and citizens alike are urging all parties to prioritize the victim’s rights and safety over political point-scoring.

“The real issue is justice for the survivor and systemic change to prevent such crimes,” said social worker Ananya Ghosh. “Let’s not lose sight of that amid all the noise.”

For now, the controversy stands as a stark reminder of how quickly tragedy can become a political battleground—and how vital it is for leaders to choose their words, and their battles, with care.