Three arrested in alleged gang-rape of medical student in West Bengal’s Durgapur

West Bengal Police on Sunday arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a 23-year-old medical student outside her college campus in Durgapur on Friday night. The second-year MBBS student, who had gone out with a friend to get food, is now in stable condition and being cared for by her mother, officials said.

“We have arrested three persons in connection with the case. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive matter, and further details will be shared later,” a police officer told PTI.

Victim’s mother alleges abandonment, assault

In her complaint, the student’s mother alleged that her daughter was “abandoned” by her male friend before being dragged into a nearby forest by several men, who threatened to kill her if she screamed. The attackers allegedly snatched her phone and ₹5,000 before fleeing.

A police officer from the Asansol-Durgapur commissionerate said an FIR has been registered under sections related to gang-rape and that “all angles are being probed.” CCTV footage from nearby areas is being reviewed.

NCW seeks report, student in shock

A four-member team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited the survivor at the hospital on Saturday and sought an Action Taken Report from the West Bengal government within five days.
“She is in shock but stable,” said NCW member and gynaecologist Archana Majumdar. “This is very unfortunate and alarming. I am shocked.”

The student, a native of Jaleshwar in Odisha, remains under medical supervision. Her parents, who reached Durgapur late Friday, named the friend and some of his unidentified associates in their complaint.

Campus protests over ‘inaction’

Students of the private medical college held protests on Saturday, accusing the college administration of failing to respond swiftly to the assault. In a memorandum to the principal, they alleged that the authorities showed “negligence and inaction,” with no immediate FIR or safety response following the incident. The state health department has sought a report from the college.

Political fallout

The case has sparked a political row. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari visited the victim’s father and accused the state government of inaction. “No one is safe in medical colleges in West Bengal. Women are not safe, and the chief minister remains silent,” he said.

State Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja urged political parties not to exploit the case. “Such crimes should never be politicised. The chief minister never compromises when it comes to justice for women,” she said, calling for patience until the investigation concludes.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condemned the incident and urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure strict legal action. “All possible assistance will be provided to the victim’s family on behalf of the Odisha government,” he said.