Three persons have been arrested in connection with the gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student from Odisha near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal. A case has been registered against the accused under provisions for gangrape and criminal liability when multiple individuals act with a common intention. The identities of the arrested persons have not yet been disclosed.
Second-Year MBBS Student Gang-Rape Case: What We Know So Far
- A 23-year-old MBBS student from Jaleswar in Odisha, studying at IQ City Medical College in Durgapur’s Shivapur area, was allegedly attacked on Friday night. Around 8:30 pm, she stepped out for dinner with a male friend. According to police, a group of men stopped them near the college gate and dragged her to a secluded forested area, where the assault occurred.
- The survivor’s mother stated that her daughter was abandoned by the friend, who ran away, leaving her alone. When she tried to escape, she could not locate him. In the forest, two more men joined, and one reportedly committed the assault, taking her mobile phone and ₹5,000 while threatening her life if she cried out.
- The student’s classmates informed her parents around 9:30 pm, prompting them to rush to Durgapur late Friday night. In their complaint to the police, they named the friend who had accompanied her along with some of his associates, though the others remain unidentified.
- The victim remains hospitalized. Medical reports describe her condition as stable but in shock, with injuries sustained during the attack.
- Police confirmed that three persons have been arrested and are being questioned, while several others are under investigation. CCTV footage from the route and nearby areas is also being examined.
- Students of the medical college protested the authorities’ response, submitting a memorandum to the principal. They criticized the delay in filing the FIR, the lack of a public statement, and the absence of an emergency safety response, calling it a breach of student trust and a moral failure by the institution. The state health department has requested a report from the private college regarding the incident.
NCW Intervention
The case has drawn nationwide attention, prompting intervention from the National Commission for Women (NCW). NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, demanding the immediate arrest of all accused, a swift and transparent investigation, and comprehensive medical and psychological support for the survivor. Additionally, Chairperson Archana Majumdar is scheduled to visit Durgapur to meet the victim and review police actions, with an ‘Action Taken’ report sought within five days.
Police Assurance
West Bengal Police have assured that the victim is recovering and that her family is receiving all necessary assistance, while also warning the public against sharing unverified information. Officials reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against crimes targeting women and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Political Reactions
The incident has also sparked political reactions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged West Bengal authorities to take exemplary action, while the Trinamool Congress criticised the Union government for delaying the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill, calling the inaction a “political choice with deadly consequences.”