“No Point In Doing Politics”: Congress MP Imran Masood Criticises BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar Over Kolkata Rape Case Remarks

By ReportBuzz Newsroom
New Delhi | July 2, 2025

Congress Member of Parliament Imran Masood on Tuesday criticised West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar for his recent remarks surrounding the alleged gang rape of a college student in Kolkata, urging political leaders to refrain from politicising criminal investigations.

Masood, addressing the media in New Delhi, stated that incidents of sexual violence should not become grounds for political confrontation and emphasised the need for a victim-centric approach. His comments come amid heightened political tension in West Bengal following the arrest of three men accused of gang-raping a 19-year-old student in the city’s Park Circus area last week.

“There is no point in doing politics over such a sensitive issue,” Masood said. “This is a moment for justice, not political grandstanding.”

BJP's Allegations Against State Government

Earlier this week, BJP state chief Sukanta Majumdar held a press conference where he accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of “failing to protect women” and creating an environment in which “criminals operate with impunity.” He further alleged that the state police had a history of ignoring complaints of sexual violence unless political pressure was applied.

“Incidents like these are a direct result of the lawlessness under the Mamata Banerjee administration,” Majumdar said. “If immediate action is not taken, we will launch protests across the state.”

His remarks triggered sharp reactions from both ruling party leaders and civil society members, who accused the BJP of exploiting the incident for political mileage.

Masood’s Statement: Call for Political Maturity

Responding to Majumdar’s comments, Imran Masood urged restraint from all political quarters.

“We are all disturbed by what happened in Kolkata. But the survivor and her family deserve dignity and space — not press conferences that convert their trauma into sound bites,” he said.

Masood added that political leaders should support police investigations and judicial proceedings rather than drawing premature conclusions or engaging in partisan commentary.

The Congress MP also called on authorities to ensure the accused are prosecuted swiftly and fairly.

Case Status and Ongoing Investigation

The alleged gang rape occurred late Friday evening in the vicinity of Park Circus, a central Kolkata neighbourhood. According to police reports, the 19-year-old survivor, a college student, was assaulted by three men in an abandoned building near a construction site.

The survivor later approached a friend, who helped her file a First Information Report (FIR) at Beniapukur Police Station. The Kolkata Police arrested the accused the following day, and medical examinations have confirmed sexual assault, officials said.

The accused remain in police custody. CCTV footage and mobile tower data are being examined, and the survivor has recorded her statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Senior police officers have said that a chargesheet will be filed once forensic evidence is analysed.

Political Overtones and Institutional Concerns

The incident has triggered a broader debate on the state of women’s safety in West Bengal, a topic that has seen repeated friction between the TMC-led government and opposition parties.

While the BJP has pushed for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, TMC leaders have defended the state police’s handling of the case and cautioned against external interference.

“The accused were arrested within hours. We’re committed to a fair trial. Turning this into a political tool helps no one — least of all the survivor,” said TMC MP Mahua Moitra.

Legal experts have also warned that politicising such cases may influence public perception and compromise the neutrality of investigations.

Congress’s Position

The Congress party, which holds a marginal presence in West Bengal, has adopted a measured approach. Masood’s statement on Tuesday signals the party’s intent to maintain focus on justice rather than join the political fray.

“Our job as elected representatives is to ensure that institutions work, that law enforcement acts promptly, and that survivors are protected — not paraded in public discourse for political gain,” Masood said.

He also urged media houses to cover the incident with caution, ensuring the survivor’s identity remains protected and her dignity intact.

Civil Society Reactions

Women’s rights organisations have welcomed Masood’s comments, with several activists echoing concerns about the increasing politicisation of gender-based violence.

“We want elected leaders to take responsibility, not to weaponise our pain. Imran Masood has struck the right note by calling for restraint,” said Ananya Sen, a representative of the Kolkata-based advocacy group Safe Streets Collective.

Student unions, meanwhile, have announced silent marches in solidarity with the survivor, calling for more stringent surveillance, better street lighting, and faster judicial processes in sexual assault cases.

Broader Implications

The Kolkata gang rape case comes at a politically sensitive time in West Bengal, where both the BJP and TMC are preparing for civic polls later this year. Issues of crime, law enforcement, and public safety are likely to feature prominently in upcoming campaigns.

Analysts say Masood’s intervention reflects a growing demand among citizens for political accountability without opportunism.

“What we’re seeing here is a test of leadership — how parties handle sensitive, emotionally charged events speaks volumes about their values,” said political commentator Nandini Bhaskar.

Next Steps

With investigations ongoing and public scrutiny mounting, all eyes remain on the West Bengal Police and the state’s judicial machinery. Whether the matter is allowed to proceed free from political interference will determine not only the outcome of the case but also the credibility of institutions involved.

As Imran Masood stated in conclusion:

“Justice must be the goal — not headlines, not slogans.”

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