A fresh controversy has erupted in West Bengal after senior All India Trinamool Congress leader and MP Saugata Roy made a controversial statement, saying that &ldquo;women shouldn&rsquo;t go out late&rdquo; at night. His remarks came amid the ongoing uproar over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s comment advising private colleges to restrict girls from stepping out at night, following the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur.
Speaking to reporters, Roy said that the police cannot be present everywhere to prevent incidents from happening. He added that law enforcement can only act after crimes occur and therefore women should remain cautious, especially during late-night hours.
His statement has triggered widespread criticism, with many accusing him of victim-blaming and shifting the responsibility of safety from the state to women themselves. Activists and opposition parties have slammed the remarks, calling them regressive and unacceptable in the wake of such a sensitive case.
Earlier this week, Mamata Banerjee&rsquo;s comments also came under fire, with critics saying that instead of restricting women&rsquo;s movements, the focus should be on strengthening law and order. The alleged gangrape of the Durgapur medical student has sparked anger across the state, with demands for swift justice and better safety measures.
The controversy continues to intensify, with women&rsquo;s rights groups, opposition leaders, and citizens calling for accountability from those in power rather than imposing restrictions on women&rsquo;s freedoms.

TMC MP’s remark on women sparks outrage

Saugata Roy says women shouldn’t go out late, triggering backlash amid Durgapur gangrape

TMC MP’s remark on women sparks outrage

Saugata Roy says women shouldn’t go out late, triggering backlash amid Durgapur gangrape

October 13, 2025 | 15:13 IST