Odisha Student Gang Rape Case: Victim's Friend Under Investigation as West Bengal Police Makes Multiple Arrests

BJP organizes a demonstration outside Asansol Police Station on Sunday.

The National Commission of Women (NCW) has stated that a friend of the 23-year-old Odisha college student, who was allegedly gang-raped near her institute in West Bengal's Durgapur, is also under investigation and police should consider questioning him.

After meeting the survivor at a Durgapur hospital, NCW member Archana Majumdar claimed that the woman left her private college at the man's urging hours before she was allegedly raped by multiple perpetrators on Friday.

This revelation comes as authorities have arrested three individuals and detained one in connection with the case that has sparked political controversy. Police have deployed a drone to locate a fifth suspect.

On Saturday, the survivor's father had suggested his daughter's friend might be implicated, noting that he fled when the assailants confronted her.

"The survivor's friend is also being investigated. He had insisted she accompany him outside. He took her away from the college premises. When the attackers cornered the survivor, he abandoned the scene. Police must investigate this aspect," Majumdar informed reporters.

The arrested and detained suspects were identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), Sekh Reajuddin (31), and Sheikh Sofiqul.

The victim hails from Jaleswar, Odisha. According to her family, the incident occurred outside the private medical college campus in Durgapur on Friday night when the second-year student went for dinner with a friend.

The student's mother alleged her daughter was gang-raped around 10 pm on Friday.

Police previously stated that preliminary investigation revealed the survivor left campus with her friend around 8-8:30 pm. "The friend abandoned her when three unidentified men arrived. The perpetrators took her phone and forced her into a jungle outside campus where they raped her. They threatened severe consequences if she reported the incident," an officer explained anonymously.

The assailants also demanded Rs 5,000 to return her mobile phone. The student's statement has been recorded, the officer confirmed.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said: "The crime occurred at a private college. Police have taken action. It is a shocking case. Private colleges should ensure adequate protection. Three individuals have been arrested thus far."

Multiple raids were conducted Saturday in areas surrounding the private college to apprehend the suspects. Forensic experts collected evidence from the jungle where the assault occurred, according to the officer.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported speaking with the woman's father by phone and assured him of complete support from the state government.

The Bharatiya Janata Party in both Odisha and West Bengal demanded immediate apprehension of all culprits, with West Bengal assembly Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari alleging that law and order had completely deteriorated under Mamata Banerjee's administration. Banerjee also serves as police minister.

Women and Child Development Minister Sashi Panja described the incident as "deeply unfortunate" and stated that politicizing crimes against women is inappropriate.

On Sunday, East Asansol Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Gupta assured that all protocols are being followed and a comprehensive investigation is in progress.