West Bengal: Three Held In Connection With Gang Rape Of Medical College Student In Durgapur

In a horrifying incident, a 23 year old MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, late on Friday (10 October) night.

The survivor, a second-year student at IQ City Medical College, had reportedly gone out with a male friend on Friday night when some men approached them near the college gate, took the woman to a secluded area around 1 kilometre away from the college premises, and raped her after which they fled away, NDTV reported.

Police have arrested three accused in connection with the case under sections pertaining to gang rape and shared criminal intent.

The identities of the accused have not yet been disclosed,

The survivor’s family alleged that her friend “misled and took her to a vacant place under false pretexts” and was complicit in the assault.

The accused also allegedly stole her phone and Rs 5,000 in cash.

She is currently undergoing treatment at a Durgapur hospital and is said to be recovering well, according to officials.

West Bengal Police, in a statement on X, said, “We are deeply saddened by the sexual assault on a medical student from Odisha in Durgapur, and wish to assure all that the culprits shall not go unpunished... We urge everyone to refrain from sharing any unverified information in this regard. West Bengal Police remains committed to its zero tolerance policy in respect of offences against women.”

West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja said the student would receive psychological counselling.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Women member Archana Majumdar met the survivor and noted that “the friend whom the woman had gone with is under the scanner... He took her out of the college premises. When the woman was trapped, he fled. Police need to look into this matter.”

The incident has drawn sharp political reactions.

BJP leader Amit Malviya accused the state government of failing to protect women.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly condemned the incident, calling it "painful".

He also urged Mamata Banerjee to ensure strict action against the accused as per the law.

"The unfortunate incident of gang rape involving an Odia student in Durgapur, West Bengal, is highly condemnable and painful. I am deeply shocked upon hearing this news. I strongly urge the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take exemplary action against the accused as per the law... 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," he wrote in a post on X.

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