Kolkata, Oct 11: In a shocking incident, a second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near a private medical college and hospital in Durgapur, West Bengal’s West Burdwan district, on Friday night. Police on Saturday detained her male friend for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to police, the 20-year-old student had stepped out of the campus with her friend around 8:30 p.m. for an evening snack when a group of young men on motorcycles began following them and making lewd comments. The group allegedly chased away the friend, dragged the student to a forested area behind the campus, and gang-raped her. The assailants reportedly snatched her mobile phone and threw it away before fleeing.
The victim’s friend returned with other students and found her lying injured. She was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Police confirmed that the survivor is a resident of Jaleswar, Odisha.
Following a complaint from the college authorities, the Durgapur New Township Police Station registered a case and launched an investigation. However, no arrests have been made so far. DC (East) Abhishek Gupta of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate said, “The investigation is ongoing. Given the sensitivity of the case, we are proceeding carefully.”
The West Bengal Health Department has sought a detailed report from the college, which is expected by Sunday morning, said Principal Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam.
The incident sparked outrage among students, who staged protests on campus accusing authorities of negligence in ensuring safety. Local CPI(M) and BJP leaders also condemned the crime and demanded strict action.
NCW member Archana Majumdar criticized the state’s handling of women’s safety, drawing parallels with the RG Kar Medical College case last year, and said, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
