Trinamool Congress leader Tapas Pal from Krishnanagar constituency on Monday found himself in a controversy after a video surfaced where he was captured making threats of rape and violence towards members of opposition party. TMC and other parties condemned his behaviour and the rival parties even demanded that he be sacked. Pal finally tendered his resignation on tuesday. However women groups have now insisted that an FIR be filed against him over his 'rape ramarks'.

FIR filed against MP Tapas Pal after his rape remarkAn FIR has been filed against Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Tapas Pal for his offensive remarks against women. Pal had told a gathering in Krishnanagar, "I will send my boys to their (attackers) homes and ask them to rape their women. If any of our Trinamool men are touched I will ensure that the CPI (M) is finished and ensure that their homes are burnt off." Read more

Mamata Banerjee describes Tapas Pal's speech as 'big blunder'

Breaking her silence, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday described party MP Tapas Pal's hate speech as a "big blunder", but then wondered if she should "kill him" for this and said whatever steps are needed to be taken have been taken. "It is not just a mistake, it's big blunder. We have taken whatever steps that are needed to be taken. It is an individual utterance. What do you want? Should I kill him? What can I do ? Whatever I can do we can do it through our policy", Banerjee, who was here in South 24-Paraganas district, told reporters. Read more

Tapas Pal should be arrested: Women organisation

Akhil Bhartiya Janwadi Mahila Samiti, a women organisation affiliated to Left parties, today demanded arrest of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Tapas Pal for his controversial remarks against Left workers. "Pal should be immediately arrested and stern action be taken against him for his remarks. He has no moral right to be the MP. It is surprising that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee is quiet on this issue," Sumitra Chaupra, state vice president of ABJMS said in a statement here. Read more

'I apologise unreservedly': Tapas Pal on controversial remarks

Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal, whose controversial remarks against women sparked outrage, today tendered an unconditional apology saying that in making such comments he has let down his constituents and the people of Bengal. "Some remarks made by me in the heat and dust of the election campaign have caused dismay and consternation. I apologise unreservedly for them," Pal said in a written apology to the Trinamool Congress and the media. Read more

BJP to send CD of Tapas Pal's remarks to Lok Sabha Speaker

Demanding immediate removal of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Tapas Pal from Lok Sabha membership over his controversial remarks, West Bengal Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday said the party will request the Speaker to see whether an MP like Pal has diminished the honour of the House. Read more

TMC MP Tapas Pal's wife apologises, says there is other part of storyA day after Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal allegedly threatened to kill CPI(M) workers and have their women raped, his wife Nandini Pal apologised for her husband's controversial comment on Tuesday and said there was another part of the story. "I apologise for his comment. Of course there is no question of supporting it. But yes I know there is another part of the story, which provoked him to do that. The entire incident had happened long back, what led to such a thing there is another part of the story," Nandini told reporters in Kolkata. "On behalf of him I am saying sorry," said Nandini. Read more

Brinda Karat calls for Tapas Pal's suspension; FIR against himCommunist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) leader Brinda Karat on Tuesday said TMC leader Tapas Pal should be suspended for his derogatory comments about sending his men to the homes of her party leaders to rape their women. "To condemn his actions, there are no words. An FIR should be lodged against him and strict action should be taken. He should be suspended," said Karat. Read more

The controversial comment had triggered an uproar and sparked condemnation by opposition parties with CPI-M demanding that the Lok Sabha Speaker take suo motu cognisance of Pal's outburst and disqualify him. "Tapas Pal will need to provide a written explanation to the party within 48 hours," party spokesperson Derek O Brien said in a statement late tonight. "The statements made by Mr Tapas Pal are utterly insensitive. The party does not in any way endorse what he said many weeks ago, which is being played out on TV channels today," O Brien said earlier in the day.

"... I will shoot you guys if a Trinamool Congress worker is ever attacked. If you have the guts, then stop me.... If you insult the mothers and daughters of Trinamool workers, then I won't spare you. I will let loose my boys in your homes and they will commit rape. I will teach each of you a lesson," Pal said.

Sensitive use of language is an obligation for role models in culture, politics and society. If that code is breached, public trust is lost — Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) June 30, 2014

Whatever provocation or perceived provocation, people in public life have to be extra-careful in what they say. Can't shoot your mouth off — Derek O'Brien (@quizderek) June 30, 2014

TMC leader Tapas Pal caught in video threatening women with rape, claims he said 'raid' not 'rape'

Barely a few weeks after the outrage vented over the Badaun gang-rape, a video has emerged where leading Trinamool Congress (TMC) politician Tapas Pal is seen threatening to rape women belonging to the opposition party. The video which is allegedly said to be a few weeks old shows Pal screaming threats of violence at rival party workers at Krishnanagar. In the same speech he is shown threatening to rape women as well. 'If CPM tries to kill and intimidate our workers here, I will not spare them. I will send my boys and get CP​I women raped if necessary." Pal however denies the allegation and has said in a TV interview that he said 'raid' and not 'rape'. 'I never used the word rape, I said raid instead', he said according to reports. The entire video has captured Pal making threats of violence against CPM workers. He even brags about about being a gunda (thug) and carrying a revolver. 'I move around with a revolver. I will pull the trigger myself. Read more

Condemning the remarks, NCW Chairperson Mamta Sharma demanded that strict action be taken against Pal. "I think he should be suspended and investigation should be carried out. I am disappointed that no action has been taken against him as yet and no FIR has been lodged," she said.

Did politics manipulate 'sweet actor' Tapas Pal, wonders director Aparna SenExpressing disbelief at Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal's alleged remarks threatening to kill CPI(M) workers and have their women raped, eminent director Aparna Sen today wondered whether jumping into politics had changed the nature of the "sweet" actor. "I am shocked and stunned. This is not the Tapas Pal I knew for so long. He was a sweet boy and we had worked together in some films. We had good relations and he was gentle. I used to like him," Sen, the National Award winning director, said. Read more

Political parties condemn TMC MP's remark stating he would kill Opposition workers and rape their womenPolitical parties on Monday condemned the remarks by Trinamool Congress MP Tapas Pal threatening to kill Opposition CPI-M workers and have their women raped, and urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take suo muto cognisance of it. "Several Trinamool Congress leaders have been making such comments in the last three years as part of strategy to terrorise Opposition parties. The comments he has made is unexpected of a parliamentarian. I request the Lok Sabha Speaker to take suo-motu cognisance because people look up to Lok Sabha MPs," CPI(M) MP Mohammed Salim said. Read more

(With agency inputs)