Durgapur, West Bengal: A second-year MBBS student from Odisha has allegedly been gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal, prompting a police investigation and widespread condemnation. The incident occurred on Friday night near the campus of a private medical college where the student is enrolled.
According to police reports, the 23-year-old student from Jaleswar, Odisha, was out with a male friend when they were accosted by a group of men. The men allegedly took the woman to a nearby wooded area and sexually assaulted her. The survivor is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Initial investigations suggest that the student and her friend went outside the IQ City Medical College campus around 8:30 PM on Friday. At some point, the friend left her alone, after which three unidentified men reportedly approached her. The men allegedly snatched her phone, took her to a secluded area, and raped her, also threatening her against disclosing the incident. They also demanded money for the return of her mobile phone.
Following the incident, the student's family filed a complaint with the police. One associate of the male friend who was with the student has been detained. The family has raised concerns about the role of the male friend who accompanied her, questioning why he did not protect her. The police have recorded the victim's statement and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area. A forensic team is also expected to visit the site to collect evidence.
The alleged gang rape has triggered widespread outrage and protests. Students of the private medical college reportedly gheraoed the principal, demanding justice. Opposition leaders, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have criticized the Trinamool Congress government, alleging a lack of safety for women in West Bengal.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has strongly condemned the incident and urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure swift and exemplary action against the culprits. He has also directed senior officials to coordinate with the West Bengal government and provide all necessary support.
The West Bengal Police have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information and assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. The police stated that they are providing all possible assistance to the victim and her family. The State Health Department has requested a detailed report from the medical college authorities, with further action pending the report's findings.
Several similar incidents have been reported in West Bengal in recent years, including the rape and murder of a female doctor in Kolkata in August 2024, and two other incidents of young women being raped on college campuses in 2025.
