West Bengal: Durgapur gang rape: ‘Friend’s’ role suspected, victim’s condition critical

Durgapur/Bhubaneswar. The gang rape incident in Durgapur, West Bengal, has shocked the nation. A medical student from Odisha was brutally assaulted by a group of men outside the college campus on Friday evening. Upon receiving information about the incident, the Durgapur police launched a swift investigation. Three accused have been arrested so far, while two remain at large.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Women (NCW) member Archana Majumdar has claimed that the victim’s friend’s role is suspicious. After meeting the victim in the hospital, she said that her friend had asked the medical student to come out of the college. She added, “The victim’s friend is also now under investigation.” She insisted that he go out with her.”

He further explained that as soon as the accused surrounded the victim outside the college campus, her friend ran away. Police should investigate this angle thoroughly, as initial evidence suggests that the friend may have played a key role in the incident. The victim’s father, who arrived in Durgapur from Odisha, has also questioned the role of his daughter’s alleged friend.

He said, “As soon as the accused surrounded my daughter, her friend ran away. My daughter is currently in great pain. She cannot even walk. She is in a hospital bed. We are very worried about her safety. We fear they could kill her there at any time. Therefore, we want to take her back to Odisha. Now we have lost faith in Bengal. She can study in Odisha.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Durgapur police and a forensic team arrived at the scene. Documents, samples, and important evidence were collected. A heavy police force has been deployed in the area to protect the evidence. Meanwhile, a team from the Odisha government also arrived in Durgapur and attempted to meet the victim, but was denied permission. Disappointed, the team had to return without meeting her.

The Odisha government team included the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) and Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) of Balasore. They arrived in two vehicles with Odisha registration numbers and were accompanied by a total of three officers. However, the team received no cooperation from the hospital administration and medical college officials. Odisha State Women’s Commission Chairperson Sovana Mohanty strongly condemned the incident.

She said on Sunday, “This is not only an atrocity against the daughter of Odisha, but a shame for the entire country.” She added that as soon as the incident came to light, the Odisha government wrote to the West Bengal government, demanding immediate action. The Chief Minister herself has spoken to the victim’s family. She is personally monitoring the case and is in constant contact with the relevant officials.

He said, “A team from Balasore district has already been sent to Durgapur to provide all possible assistance to the victim. But it is sad that they were not provided any support.” Accusing the Trinamool Congress government of deteriorating law and order, Sovana Mohanty said, “36 hours after the incident, three accused were arrested, while two are still absconding. This is a failure of the administration.”
She further said, “I have heard that the accused belong to a minority community, but this issue is not about caste or religion, but about justice and women’s safety. The remaining two accused must be arrested immediately, and all the culprits must be given strict punishment.” Mohanty also announced that she would personally visit the scene, meet the victim, and inquire about her health.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also reacted strongly to this heinous crime. He wrote on social media, “This incident is disgusting and painful. I wish the victim a speedy recovery. Such incidents against women should have no place in society. I demand a fair investigation and speedy justice from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.”

Odisha Congress President Bhakta Charan Das also strongly condemned the act. He said, “I condemn the gang rape of an Odia woman in West Bengal. Immediate and strict action must be taken against the accused.” She has instructed her women’s wing to play an active role in securing justice for the victim and to provide her with all necessary assistance possible.