The friend of the Bengal gang rape survivor is under scrutiny, according to a women's body. The incident occurred near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, where a 23-year-old MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped.
The survivor, a second-year student at IQ City Medical College, was reportedly out with a male friend on the night of Friday, October 10, 2025, when they were approached by a group of men near the college gate. These men allegedly took her to a secluded area, approximately one kilometer from the college, where they raped her before fleeing. The accused also allegedly stole her phone and ₹5,000 in cash.
Following the incident, police arrested three individuals in connection with the gang rape. While their identities have not been disclosed, authorities have confirmed that they are residents of the area. Several suspects, including the survivor's male friend, are being interrogated.
The survivor's family has alleged that her friend may have been complicit in the assault, claiming he "misled and took her to a vacant place under false pretenses". National Commission for Women member Archana Majumdar noted that "the friend whom the woman had gone with is under the scanner... He took her out of the college premises. When the woman was trapped, he fled. Police need to look into this matter".
The West Bengal Police have issued a statement on X, expressing their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy regarding offenses against women and assuring that the culprits will not go unpunished. They are also urging the public to refrain from sharing unverified information. West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja has stated that the student will receive psychological counseling.
The incident has sparked political reactions, with BJP leader Amit Malviya accusing the state government of failing to protect women. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has also strongly condemned the incident.
Meanwhile, students of the medical college staged protests inside the campus on Saturday, October 11, 2025, expressing their anger over the alleged inaction and silence of the college authorities.
