‘Was She Actually Raped?’, Asks Mamata Banerjee After Minor Rape Victim Dies; Gets Criticised

The death and alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in West Bengal’s Nadia district last week has sparked a political debate in the state.?

After the incident, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, during an appearance, dismissed the case, calling it a “love affair.”

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In her comments, Banerjee insisted that the rape victim and the main accused were in a consensual relationship.

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According to ANI, Banerjee accused a section of the print and electronic media of being influenced by the BJP.?

She added,

“I heard about the girl’s death and talked to the police. Even the police do not know till now how she died. I asked the police whether they thought this was rape? Or was she pregnant? Or, was it a love affair?”?

Mamta's comments didn't go down too well with people who called her out for 'victim' blaming.

What was the case about??

The victim, a Class 9 student in Hanskhali, went to a birthday party hosted by TMC panchayat member Samarendra Gayali’s son Brajagopal on April 4. She returned home in an unwell state.?

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According to the police, she died the next day due to 'excessive' bleeding. She was cremated in the evening, allegedly without a death certificate, added the police.?

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After the incident, the girl’s family lodged a police complaint against the TMC leader’s son, alleging rape. Residents, including the girl’s family, told police that the victim was forced to drink alcohol before being raped.?

On Sunday, Brajagopal was arrested and charged with rape. Three of his friends are also being questioned, police said.?

Rape

A magistrate recorded the statements of the victim’s parents at Nadia court on Monday. The parents alleged that the girl was raped. The district police have maintained silence on the investigation.

The chief minister accused the girl’s family of not informing the police on time.

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