Odisha Women's Commission Chair Criticizes Mamata Banerjee's Comments on Night Safety for Girls

In a sharp critique of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Odisha State Commission for Women's Chairperson Sovana Mohanty has denounced Banerjee's controversial statement advising women not to go out at night. The comments followed an alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur.

Mohanty emphasized that Banerjee's remarks failed to acknowledge the plight of the survivor and called on her to assure the safety of women in the state. As a response, a three-member team from Odisha headed to Durgapur to meet the victim's family and inquire into the investigation.

The incident has also drawn criticism from the National Commission for Women, with member Archana Majumdar condemning Banerjee's statement as outdated and urging her to focus on law enforcement. Majumdar highlighted the achievements of women in various fields and stressed that confining them indoors is regressive.

(With inputs from agencies.)