Three Arrested in Gang-Rape of Odisha Medical Student in West Bengal's Durgapur: Investigation Ongoing

Police sources indicated that several individuals, including the survivor's male companion, were under interrogation.

Three individuals have been apprehended, and one person was detained regarding the gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student from Odisha near a private medical college in West Bengal's Durgapur. Authorities have filed charges against the accused under sections pertaining to gang-rape and criminal liability when multiple individuals act with common intent.

The arrested suspects - all locals - have been identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), and Sekh Reajuddin (31). They will appear before the court today, according to officials.

Officials reported that the 23-year-old student, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha and studies at the IQ City Medical College in Durgapur's Shivapur area, had ventured out with a male friend on Friday night. Several men approached them near the college gate, took the woman to an isolated location approximately 1 kilometer from the college premises, and raped her before fleeing.

The survivor's family alleges that her friend is also implicated in the crime, claiming he "misled and took her to a vacant place under false pretexts." According to the complaint, the assailants also seized the woman's phone and took Rs 5,000 from her.

The woman is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Durgapur, where she is "recovering well," officials confirmed.

West Bengal Minister for Women and Child Development and Trinamool Congress leader Shashi Panja stated that the student will receive psychological counseling.

Police sources revealed that numerous individuals, including the survivor's male friend, were being questioned. They have also documented the woman's statement.

The West Bengal police issued a statement on X, assuring that stringent action would be taken against the perpetrators. They also urged the public to refrain from sharing "unverified information" about the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by the sexual assault on a medical student from Odisha in Durgapur, and wish to assure all that the culprits shall not go unpunished. The pain of the victim is as much ours as it is Odisha's, and we shall leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice. The victim is recovering well, and all kinds of assistance are being provided to the family," the police statement read.

They added, "We urge everyone to refrain from sharing any unverified information in this regard. West Bengal Police remains committed to its zero tolerance policy in respect of offences against women."

National Commission for Women member Archana Majumdar met with the survivor at the hospital where she is undergoing treatment. Sources indicated that she also engaged in conversation with her.

"The friend whom the woman had gone with is under scrutiny. He insisted she accompany him. He took her beyond the college premises. When the woman was endangered, he fled. Police need to investigate this matter thoroughly," she stated.

BJP leader and IT cell chief Amit Malviya criticized the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal regarding women's safety concerns.

"This recurring breakdown of law and order reveals a troubling pattern under Mamata Banerjee's administration. The West Bengal Police must ensure a transparent and impartial investigation, unlike the RG Kar MCH case, which the Kolkata Police mishandled under instructions, so that the guilty face the harshest punishment under the law. West Bengal is not safe for women. Until the TMC government is held accountable, women across the state will continue to live in fear. Mamata Banerjee must go in 2026," he declared.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly condemned the incident, describing it as "highly painful." He urged Mamata Banerjee to ensure strict action against the accused in accordance with the law.

"The unfortunate incident of gang rape involving an Odia student in Durgapur, West Bengal, is highly condemnable and painful. I am deeply shocked upon hearing this news. I strongly urge the West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take exemplary action against the accused as per the law... I have instructed senior officials to contact the West Bengal government and take necessary steps. All possible assistance will be provided to the victim's family on behalf of the Odisha government," he wrote on X.

According to the Odisha Chief Minister's Office (CMO), Majhi directed senior officials to implement all necessary measures in coordination with the West Bengal Government.

West Bengal Minister and TMC leader Babul Supriyo described the incident as "shameful and tragic" and called for the "harshest punishment" for the perpetrators.

"It's deeply shameful and tragic that such an incident should occur anywhere. And those criminals who commit such acts should be tried in fast-track courts and receive the harshest possible punishment. We've been discussing this for several days, and our Chief Minister has also launched a campaign in support of this. It's certain that they will receive the harshest possible punishment for their actions," he said.