In a shocking incident, West Bengal Police apprehended three individuals on Sunday in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a 23-year-old medical student. The assault reportedly occurred on Friday night near her college campus in Durgapur, shortly after she had gone out for food with a friend. The victim, a second-year MBBS student, is currently in stable condition and receiving support from her mother.
The student’s mother has come forward with a harrowing account, alleging that her daughter was deserted by the friend she was with. Subsequently, she was allegedly dragged into a forest by a group of men who threatened to kill her if she attempted to cry for help.
A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited the victim in the hospital on Saturday. They have also requested a comprehensive Action Taken Report (ATR) from the West Bengal authorities within five days.
The victim’s parents, who rushed to Durgapur after being notified by classmates, have identified the friend who was with her and some of his associates in their police complaint. However, the identities of these associates remain unconfirmed.
In response to the incident, students from the private medical college organized a protest within the campus on Saturday, expressing dissatisfaction with the college authorities’ perceived lack of action and communication.
Key Details of the Durgapur Rape Case:
- The medical student, originally from Jaleshwar in Odisha, is receiving hospital care. Dr. Archana Majumdar, a Gynaecologist and NCW member, described the student as being in a state of shock, with stable but injured condition, calling the situation “very unfortunate and alarming.”
- The survivor’s mother detailed the ordeal, explaining that her daughter had gone out at her friend’s request when they were followed by three men. She stated that her daughter’s friend fled, leaving her to face the attackers alone.
- The mother further recounted that the three assailants dragged her daughter into a nearby forest. Two more individuals joined them, and one committed the assault, also stealing her mobile phone. She was reportedly threatened with death if she screamed.
- Besides her mobile phone, the unidentified attackers allegedly stole ₹5,000 from the victim before escaping. A police officer confirmed that an FIR has been registered, including charges of gang rape, and that an investigation is underway. The victim’s statement has been recorded, and teams are actively pursuing leads.
- The victim’s father stated that they received a distressing call from her classmates around 9:30 pm, informing them of the rape and urging them to come to Durgapur immediately. Upon arrival on Saturday morning, they found their daughter unwell and hospitalized. He also mentioned that the perpetrators demanded money for the return of her mobile phone.
- The police are currently questioning several individuals and reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity. No arrests were reported as of Sunday.
- Students at the medical college protested the administration’s response, highlighting the lack of an immediate FIR, public statement, or activated emergency measures, which they deemed a failure of the institution’s responsibility. The state health department has also requested a report from the college.
- The incident has triggered a political controversy, with opposition leaders criticizing the state government’s handling of the situation and raising concerns about women’s safety. Government officials have responded by urging against politicizing the crime and emphasizing the ongoing investigation.
- The Chief Minister of Odisha has condemned the incident and appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister for strict legal action, assuring full support to the victim’s family from the Odisha government.