 "NCW member Archana Majumdar, who met the survivor at the hospital in Durgapur, claimed that it was the man’s insistence that led the second year student to step out of the college campus. Image for Representation.")
In a deeply disturbing incident, a second-year MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near her medical college in West Bengal’s Durgapur after going out for dinner with a friend on Friday night.
According to The Hindustan Times, the woman’s family has alleged that she was “abandoned” by her friend at the time of the attack, and no one came to her aid when three unidentified men started following her.
So far, police have arrested three men in connection with the case as outrage continues to grow. The incident has sparked widespread anger and demands for accountability, with the National Commission for Women (NCW) calling for a thorough probe, including into the actions of the victim’s friend.
Here’s what we know about the case so far.
What happened?
The survivor’s mother recounted the terrifying moments that led to her daughter’s assault. She said her daughter had stepped out of the college campus for dinner after being invited by a friend.
“Three people started following them. Her friend abandoned her and fled. My daughter also started running but couldn’t trace her friend,” the mother told The Hindustan Times.
She went on to say, “When the three men found my daughter alone, they took her to a nearby forest area. Two more people joined them. One of them committed the crime and snatched her mobile. She was threatened that she would be killed if she dared to shout.”
Earlier police reports mentioned that the accused fled after stealing the victim’s phone and Rs 5,000 in cash.
The girl’s parents, who live in Jaleswar, Odisha, rushed to Durgapur after being informed by their daughter’s classmates around 9:30 pm. They have named the male student who took their daughter out, along with some of his acquaintances, in their police complaint.
NCW member Archana Majumdar, who met the survivor at the hospital in Durgapur, claimed that it was the man’s insistence that led the woman to step out of the college campus.
“The survivor’s friend is also under the scanner. He had insisted that she go out with him. He took her out of the college premises. When the survivor was cornered by the accused, he fled the scene. Police must look into this matter,” Majumdar told NDTV.
They have requested a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from the West Bengal authorities within five days.
‘Her safety is at risk’: Father seeks transfer to Odisha
The survivor’s father told ANI that his daughter is currently unable to walk and is confined to bed rest as she continues treatment. He expressed deep concern about her security in West Bengal and urged Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to allow them to take her back to Odisha.
“She is unable to walk and is on bed rest. The Chief Minister, DG, SP, and Collector are all helping us a lot and regularly enquiring about her health… I have requested the Chief Minister to let us take my daughter away from here to Odisha, to a safer place because here, her safety is at risk… We have requested her to let us take her away,” he said on Sunday.
NCW’s Majumdar, who is also a gynaecologist, told Hindustan Times that the student remains in a state of shock. “She is in a state of shock. Her condition is stable. She has suffered some injuries. This is very unfortunate and alarming. I am shocked,” she said.
The father added that while the authorities have been supportive, the family’s primary concern now is ensuring their daughter’s safety and recovery in a familiar environment back home.
Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the attack and urged CM Mamata Banerjee to ensure swift and strict action against the accused.
“I have instructed senior officials to contact the West Bengal government and take necessary steps. All possible assistance will be provided to the victim’s family on behalf of the Odisha government,” Patnaik said.
He also spoke to the survivor’s father over the phone and assured him of full support from the Odisha government.
Durgapur case: Three suspects arrested
Police have arrested three people and detained one in connection with the case, while a search is on for another accused using drone surveillance, according to an NDTV report.
“We have arrested three persons in connection with the case. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive case and we will give out further details later,” a police officer told PTI.
Those arrested and detained were identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), Sekh Reajuddin (31), and Sheikh Sofiqul.
The officer added, “We spoke to the victim’s friend last night. We are trying to find out some CCTV footage. A forensic team will visit the spot to collect evidence.”
Meanwhile, the West Bengal health department has sought a detailed report from the private medical college where the student was studying. “We have sought a quick report from the college authorities in this connection. Accordingly, we will take steps,” a senior official said.
Political row erupts, backlash against Mamata Banerjee
The case has quickly taken on political overtones, with opposition leaders attacking the West Bengal government over women’s safety.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari said he had spoken to the victim’s father and promised full support.
“BJP workers led by legislators have gathered at the police station. There have been no arrests till Saturday afternoon. No one is safe in the state’s government or private medical colleges. Police are interested in extorting money and installing flags of the ruling TMC. Women are not safe. The culprits are not getting exemplary punishments. The chief minister speaks on everything but is now silent,” Adhikari said.
Previously, state CM Mamata Banerjee also faced backlash for her remarks advising girl students in hostels not to venture out at night.
“Especially girl children at night time… they should not be allowed to come outside. They have to protect themselves also,” Banerjee said.
She further said private colleges must ensure their students’ safety, as it is not possible for police to “keep watch on every house”.
Her comments drew widespread criticism, including from state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya, who said Banerjee’s statement showed that her government “has no accountability regarding women’s safety”.
The CM later clarified that her comments were “distorted” by the media.
Responding to the criticism, state Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja also urged the opposition not to politicise the incident.
“Such crimes against women shouldn’t be politicised. But unfortunately, the BJP sees such incidents through a political lens. The chief minister doesn’t compromise when there is some injustice against women. We have to wait for the investigation to be completed. BJP shouldn’t try to take political advantage out of this. Crime against women in BJP-ruled states is also very unfortunate and should never be politicised,” Panja said in a video message.
With input from agencies