Three men have been taken into custody in connection with the alleged gang rape of a second-year medical student from a private college in Durgapur, police officials confirmed on Sunday. The incident, which occurred late Friday night, has sparked outrage and prompted the involvement of the National Commission for Women (NCW).
According to police, the survivor, a student from Odisha’s Jaleswar pursuing her MBBS degree, had gone out for dinner with a friend when the alleged assault took place. She was later found injured and is currently receiving treatment at the same hospital where she studies. Her condition is reported to be stable, though she remains in a state of trauma.
The initial police report indicates that the student was accosted by three men after her friend reportedly fled the scene. She was then taken to a nearby wooded area, where more assailants allegedly joined the group. At least one among them is said to have committed the assault, while her mobile phone and ₹5,000 in cash were stolen. The perpetrators reportedly threatened her with death if she raised an alarm.
A four-member NCW team visited the survivor in hospital on Saturday. Team member and gynaecologist Dr. Archana Majumdar expressed grave concern over the incident, calling it both “unfortunate” and “alarming.”
The student’s mother alleged that her daughter was left vulnerable after her friend abandoned her during the attack. “She ran to find help but lost sight of her friend. That’s when the men captured her,” she said.
The case has taken on a political dimension, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticising the state’s law and order situation. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, claimed that even educational institutions are no longer safe for women.
In response, West Bengal’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Shashi Panja, urged political leaders to refrain from using such incidents for partisan attacks. “Crimes against women should never be politicised,” she stated in a video message.
As the investigation continues, police say further details will be released in due course. For now, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the survivor and identifying any additional suspects involved in the case.
