A 23-year-old Odia medical student was recently gang-raped near a privately-owned medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal. The case has resulted in the arrest of three men, who are still under investigation. The survivor is under professional care and counseling, and the police have promised to do everything to deal with the accused.
Details of the Incident
The student is a student at IQ City Medical College in Durgapur who went out with a male friend on a Friday evening. According to the officials, a few men approached them close to the college gate and took her to a lonely spot approximately one kilometre away and raped her. She also lost her phone, which was stolen during the attack by perpetrators, and her cellphone contained Rs 5,000. As her family members claim, her male friend contributed to misleading her and taking her to the secluded place with false pretences. The student is being treated at a hospital in Durgapur and is said to be improving.
Police Investigation
The police of West Bengal have arrested three local men in connection with the case, but their identities remain undisclosed. The police are questioning a few people, including the male best friend of the survivor, and her testimony is documented. The police have advised society against passing on unverified information and have threatened severe measures against the culprits. They also highlighted their zero-tolerance approach to crimes against women, saying that they are doing everything in their power to criminalize the culprits.
Support for the Survivor
Archana Majumdar, a member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited the survivor at the hospital and talked with her. She indicated that the male friend who accompanies the student is a subject of the police in relation to the action. West Bengal Minister of Women and Child Development, Shashi Panja, confirmed that psychological counselling will be provided to the survivor so that she can overcome the trauma. She is getting all the medical and emotional assistance required by the authorities.
Political Reactions
Political figures have been very critical of the incident. The BJP leader Amit Malviya attacked the state government on why women are not safe, and it should be investigated openly. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly condemned the crime, calling it highly painful, and requested West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to ensure the accused’s arrest. He also instructed the top officials to liaise with the West Bengal government and extend assistance to the family of the survivor. The head of the TMC, Babul Supriyo, called it a shame and a tragedy and demanded that the accused undergo expedited trials and face the maximum punishment under the law.
Concerns About Safety
This case follows closely on the RG Kar Medical College incident, which has brought to the fore the ongoing issue of safety in learning institutions in West Bengal. It highlights the pressing need to implement stringent measures to ensure the safety of students, particularly women, on and around college campuses. Police continue to emphasize vigilance, appropriate investigation, and preventive measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents, while also focusing on justice and support for the victim.
