By Kavita Mistry 
Last Updated:
The father clarified that if any of his remarks were ill-judged, he asked for forgiveness from Mamata and vowed to render ‘countless obeisance at her feet’
Police officers survey the area of the crime where the girl was allegedly gang-raped. (File image: Sourced)
The father of the 23‑year‑old medical student who has alleged gang rape in Durgapur offered a public apology to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday, calling her a “mother‑like figure” and imploring her to “forgive him” and help secure justice for his daughter.
His appeal comes two days after he had sharply criticised the CM’s earlier comments, in which she suggested that “women should not venture out at night” in response to the assault.
On Monday, he had likened the situation in Bengal to being under “Aurangzeb’s rule” and declared that he intended to take his daughter back to Odisha, saying, “Her life comes first, career later.”
In his appearance before the media, the father clarified that if any of his remarks were ill-judged, he asked for forgiveness and vowed to render “countless obeisance at her feet”. He also said that once his daughter is declared fit by doctors, he would aim to take her back home to Odisha.
The case has already sparked intense scrutiny of the handling of the rape allegation, the timeline of events, and public discourse over victim‑blaming. The victim’s father has contradicted statements by the Chief Minister about the timing of the incident, asserting the assault occurred between 8 pm and 9 pm, not past midnight as she had suggested.
The investigation saw a twist on Tuesday after the Bengal police arrested her male classmate and claimed that the assault appeared to have been carried out by a single accused. Police have arrested six people so far, including the friend.
Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary ruled out gang rape, saying, “Investigation and medical reports have so far indicated the involvement of only one person. The roles of the others are being reviewed. The friend of the victim is not above suspicion.”
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
October 15, 2025, 22:03 IST
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