Madan Mitra Apologises For Remarks On Kolkata Rape Survivor After TMC Rebuke

Last Updated:July 01, 2025, 11:55 IST

Mitra stated that he is a "loyal worker of the party", adding that if his words have tarnished the party’s image in any way, he is sorry for that.

Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra. (Photo/X: @madanmitraoff)

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA and former minister Madan Mitra has apologised while formally responding to the show‑cause notice issued by the party on June 29, following his controversial comments on the alleged gangrape of a 24‑year‑old law student at South Kolkata Law College. Mitra stated that he is a “loyal worker of the party" and will abide by whatever the party decides. He added that if his words have tarnished the party’s image in any way, he is sorry for that.

Mitra faced strong rebuke after he publicly said on June 28 that the rape might have been avoided if the student had “informed someone, taken a friend along, or not gone to campus alone, particularly after being summoned at an unusual hour." He stated, “This incident has sent a message to girls … if that girl had not gone there, this incident wouldn’t have happened," which sparked immediate backlash for appearing to shift blame on to the victim.

The party had condemned his comment as “unsolicited, unnecessary, and insensitive" and asserted it was inconsistent with the TMC’s “zero‑tolerance stance" on crimes against women.

“The remarks made by MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra concerning the heinous crime at South Calcutta Law College were made in their personal capacities. The party unequivocally dissociates itself from their statements and strongly condemns the same. These views do not reflect the position of the party in any manner whatsoever," the party had said in a statement.

“Our stance remains resolute; we have zero tolerance for crimes against women and demand the strictest possible punishment for all those involved in this heinous crime," it added.

TMC had also asked Madan Mitra to provide a written explanation within three days for your violation of party discipline.

“A law student from the Kasba area in Kolkata was the victim of an unfortunate incident. It is a very sensitive case of brutal torture, and the party has expressed grief over the incident. The administration is taking all necessary actions as quickly as possible," the party said in a statement. “In this regard, your unwarranted, insensitive and unnecessary remarks have hurt the party’s image. It is against the party’s strict doctrine. Therefore, you are instructed to provide a written explanation within three days for your violation of party discipline," it added.

Mitra wasn’t the only one who sparked outrage after his remarks on the Kolkata gangrape. After Mitra’s comments, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee appeared to downplay the seriousness of the crime and deflect accountability, questioning what can be done if a friend commits such an act.

“What can be done if a friend rapes his friend? Will the police be in schools? This was done by students to another student. Who will protect her (the survivor)? Who does all this criminality and molestation? Some men do it. So, who should women fight against? Women should fight against these perverted men," he had said.

“I am saying the same thing again and again. Whoever has done it must be arrested immediately. But if a friend rapes a friend, how can that be corruption? The condition of safety and security is the same everywhere. As long as the mindset of men remains this way, these incidents will keep occurring," he added.

The remarks by the TMC leaders had come after a 24-year-old law student was allegedly raped at the South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata’s Kasba area on Wednesday by Monojit Mishra – a 31-year-old former student of the college, who is now a practising lawyer. Alongside the main accused, three others – two students, 19-year-old Zaib Ahmed and 20-year-old Pramit Mukhopadhyay, and a security guard – have also been arrested in connection with the case.

News politics Madan Mitra Apologises For Remarks On Kolkata Rape Survivor After TMC Rebuke