In a significant turn of events, West Bengal police have arrested a 23-year-old classmate of a medical student who had alleged gangrape near her Durgapur college campus on October 10. Authorities have now stated that initial investigations suggest no gangrape took place, presenting a stark contrast to the earlier allegations.
Here are the crucial details emerging from the case that has garnered national attention:
Classmate Apprehended
Security footage reviewed by investigators shows the survivor and her friend leaving the campus together at 7:54 pm. The friend returned alone at 8:42 pm, left again at 8:48 pm, and then returned with the survivor at 9:29 pm. While both initially claimed they went out for dinner, the survivor later stated that the alleged perpetrators had contacted her friend. This led to the friend’s arrest as inconsistencies emerged in their statements.
The friend, residing in Malda, was initially detained on October 11, the day after the alleged incident, and has now been formally arrested as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Focus on Single Suspect
Police Statement on Involvement: Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary indicated that the arrested classmate is still under suspicion and that evidence points to only one individual being primarily involved in the incident. The roles of other individuals previously detained are currently under review.
Previous Arrests and Charges
Prior to the classmate’s arrest, five local villagers were taken into custody. However, the police have clarified that ongoing investigations and medical reports suggest a single suspect is the main perpetrator. These individuals were initially charged under sections 70(1) (gang rape) and 3(5) (crime committed with common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), as per court documents.
Conflicting Accounts Surface
Contradictions in Statements: Authorities have pointed out several inconsistencies in the accounts provided by the survivor, her friend, the initially arrested suspects, and the medical reports. These discrepancies have complicated the investigation and raised several questions.
Initially, the survivor reportedly told a doctor that three individuals were present, with only one being the perpetrator. However, her subsequent statement to the police alleged that five men had dragged her into a forest and gangraped her, highlighting significant differences in her accounts.
Security Footage Corroborates Different Narrative
Evidence from Security Footage: Surveillance footage from the college campus appears to contradict some of the statements made. The video reportedly shows the survivor returning to campus appearing calm, with her clothes intact, and without any visible distress or seeking help from security personnel, according to police sources.
“When a woman is dragged through a jungle and gangraped, there is always evidence. But the footage shows otherwise,” a senior officer commented.
Identity of Suspects
Who were the suspects so far: The West Bengal police had identified five suspects: Sheikh Safiqul, Sheikh Nasiruddin, Apu Bauri (21), Firdous Sheikh (23), and Sheikh Riazuddin (32). These individuals are from nearby villages and were part of the initial broader investigation. Sheikh Safiqul was arrested on October 13, and Sheikh Nasiruddin was taken into custody late Sunday. The remaining three—Apu Bauri, Firdous Sheikh, and Sheikh Riazuddin—were sent to police custody by the court on Sunday.