Sukanta Majumdar Detained in West Bengal – Political tensions reached a boiling point in West Bengal after Union Minister and State BJP President Sukanta Majumdar was detained by Kolkata Police during a protest condemning the recent gang rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College. The protest, held at the Gariahat crossing in South Kolkata on June 28, 2025, was part of a larger campaign demanding justice for the survivor and the resignation of the Chief Minister.
The protest saw hundreds of BJP workers, supporters, and youth leaders blocking roads and chanting slogans against the state government. Police attempted to control the crowd using barricades and loudspeaker warnings, but the situation escalated when Majumdar attempted to break through the barricade, resulting in his detention.
The Background: Kolkata Law College Gang Rape Case
The protest stems from a horrific incident that occurred on June 25, 2025, when a 24-year-old law student was allegedly gang-raped inside the guardroom of South Calcutta Law College. According to the FIR filed by the victim, three individuals — including a former student leader — confined, assaulted, and raped her. One of the accused, reportedly associated with the student wing of the ruling party, allegedly recorded the act for blackmail.
The victim suffered severe physical injuries and trauma. Four individuals, including the main accused and the security guard on duty, have since been arrested. The incident has raised alarm over institutional safety and alleged political protection of the accused.
The Protest and Majumdar’s Detention
Sukanta Majumdar arrived at the protest site in the afternoon, demanding immediate justice for the survivor and accountability from the state administration. Addressing the crowd before his detention, Majumdar stated:
“The Chief Minister has failed to ensure safety for women in her own city. This incident is not isolated. It’s part of a collapsing law and order system. The ruling party is sheltering the accused because they are politically connected.”
Soon after his statement, Majumdar attempted to march toward the college premises but was stopped by the police. He and several BJP workers were detained and escorted to a local police station.
Police later confirmed that the detentions were “preventive” to avoid obstruction of traffic and escalation of violence. No formal arrest was made, and most of those detained were released in the evening.
Sukanta Majumdar Detained in West Bengal: BJP’s National Response
The BJP has condemned the detention of Majumdar, calling it a suppression of democratic protest. In Delhi, party leaders slammed the West Bengal government for mishandling both the gang rape investigation and the protest.
The BJP’s central leadership has announced the formation of a four-member fact-finding committee, including senior leaders and a former High Court judge, to visit Kolkata and meet with the survivor and her family.
The party has also demanded the resignation of the Chief Minister, alleging political shielding of the accused due to their past involvement with the ruling party’s student wing
.
Trinamool Congress Responds
In response to the political uproar, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) clarified that the accused no longer have any active links to the party and that law enforcement agencies were acting independently. A party spokesperson said:
“The Chief Minister has always supported the rule of law. The police acted immediately and arrested the accused. Political opportunism in the name of justice is condemnable.”
The TMC has accused the BJP of trying to politicize a sensitive criminal matter and destabilize the state ahead of the upcoming civic elections.
Campus Security and Administrative Negligence
The case has led to widespread outrage on college campuses and among civil society groups. Student organizations across Kolkata, including those not affiliated with any political party, have demanded:
- Installation of 24×7 surveillance on campus
- Presence of trained security personnel
- Functional women’s grievance redressal cells
- Psychological support services for students
The Education Department has ordered a campus security audit for all law colleges in the state, and an internal committee has been formed at South Calcutta Law College to investigate administrative lapses.
Civil Society and Legal Voices
Women’s rights activists and legal experts have voiced concern over the systemic issues exposed by the incident. They are calling for:
- Gender sensitization of college staff and guards
- Accountability for college administrators who failed to act promptly
- Protection and anonymity for the survivor throughout the legal process
Legal aid organizations have stepped in to provide the survivor with free representation and counseling.
Broader Political Fallout
The incident and subsequent protests have added fuel to the already polarized political environment in West Bengal. With state civic elections approaching, both BJP and TMC are using the incident as a platform to project their narratives on governance, women’s safety, and justice delivery.
While the BJP is using it to highlight governance failures, the TMC insists that the matter is being handled by law enforcement and that justice will be ensured through due process.
Political analysts suggest that this case could significantly impact urban voter sentiment, particularly among the youth and first-time voters, who are increasingly vocal about gender issues.
What Happens Next
- The fact-finding committee appointed by the BJP is expected to arrive in Kolkata this week.
- A chargesheet is likely to be filed within the next fortnight, as forensic reports and digital evidence are being compiled.
- The state government is under pressure to publicly release updates on the investigation and disciplinary action against negligent college authorities.
Conclusion
The detention of Sukanta Majumdar during a protest over the gang rape case marks a critical moment in West Bengal’s political and social landscape. At the center of the storm lies the demand for swift justice for the survivor and a larger reckoning with how institutions — educational, political, and legal — respond to crimes against women.
As the investigation unfolds, public attention remains focused on the state’s ability to deliver justice transparently, without political interference, and with compassion for the survivor.
External References:
- West Bengal Police – Official Website
- Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India
- National Commission for Women
- Ministry of Home Affairs
- Department of Higher Education, Government of West Bengal
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