Odisha Medical Student Gang-Raped Near Private College in West Bengal

A shocking case of sexual assault has emerged from West
Bengal’s Durgapur, where a second-year MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly
gang-raped near her private medical college on Friday night. The survivor, aged
23, is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition.

Incident Details

According to police officials, the young woman, who hails
from Jaleswar in Odisha and studies at IQ City Medical College in Durgapur’s
Shivapur area, had gone out with a male friend on Friday evening. Around 8:30 pm, the two were near the college gate when a group of men confronted them. The attackers reportedly dragged the student to a secluded, wooded area and sexually assaulted her.

The survivor’s father has lodged a police complaint, alleging that his daughter’s male friend “misled her and took her to a vacant
place under false pretexts.” He further claimed that the assailants also stole
her mobile phone and Rs 5,000 in cash.

The father suspects that the friend may have played a role
in the assault, as he allegedly fled the scene during the attack.

Police Action and Investigation

The West Bengal Police have initiated an investigation and
have begun questioning multiple suspects, including the survivor’s companion.
The woman’s statement has been recorded, though no arrests have been made so far.

In an official statement, the West Bengal Police assured
strict action and reiterated their “zero-tolerance policy” toward crimes
against women.

“We are deeply saddened by the sexual assault on a
medical student from Odisha in Durgapur. The culprits shall not go unpunished.
We urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information. The victim
is recovering, and all necessary assistance is being provided to her and her
family,” the police said on social media.

Government Response

West Bengal’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Shashi
Panja confirmed that the survivor is receiving medical care and will also be
provided psychological counselling.

She urged political parties to avoid exploiting the tragedy
for political gains, saying,

“The family has expressed faith in the police
investigation. Crimes like this should not be politicised.”

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has
dispatched a team to Durgapur to meet the survivor and her parents. The state
health department has also sought a detailed report from the college
authorities regarding the incident.

NCW member Archana Majumdar expressed serious concern,
stating that crimes against women in Bengal have shown a disturbing rise.

“The police must act decisively to ensure women’s safety
and restore public faith,” she said.

Recurring Concern Over Women’s Safety in Bengal

This latest incident has reignited public outrage over the safety
of women in West Bengal, particularly on educational campuses.

Earlier this year, a law student was gang-raped inside South
Calcutta Law College, while in 2024, the rape and murder of a 31-year-old
doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata triggered nationwide protests
demanding stronger safety measures.

These repeated cases have sparked debates about systemic
lapses, the need for safer campus environments, and faster judicial processes
for crimes against women.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, citizens and women’s rights
groups across India are demanding swift justice for the Durgapur survivor and greater
accountability from authorities.
The case once again highlights the urgent need for stronger law enforcement,
gender sensitisation, and institutional safety reforms to protect women,
especially students, from such heinous crimes.