TMC pulls up 2 netas over rape remarks

KOLKATA: Trinamool on Sunday show-caused MLA Madan Mitra and censured MP Kalyan Banerjee for controversial remarks on the alleged gang-rape of a student at a Kolkata law college last week even as its slugfest continued with BJP-led opposition over women's safety in Bengal less than a year after the rape-murder at RG Kar hospital.

TMC president Subrata Bakshi sent the notice to Mitra, instructing him to respond within three days over his "unsolicited, unnecessary, and insensitive comments that severely damaged the party's image". Assembly polls are due in Bengal next year.

Mitra had remarked Saturday that women should not go to a "closed college if someone calls" - comments that were seen as downplaying the gravity of the rape in which four accused have been arrested. This includes Monojit Mishra, the prime suspect with links to TMC's student wing.

Banerjee had also made a controversial statement, asking on Friday "if a friend rapes another friend, how will govt authorities provide protection in such cases?" TMC distanced itself from both comments, saying they were personal opinions of Mitra and Banerjee and the party did not agree with them in any way.

A two-member National Commission for Women team on Sunday visited South Kolkata Law College, where the alleged gang-rape occurred on June 25. The team, led by Archana Majumdar, was not allowed into the crime spot, nor was videography permitted.