West Bengal: Durgapur Medical Student Allegedly Gang-Raped; Police Launch Investigation

A second-year medical student in Durgapur was allegedly gang-raped on Friday night after stepping out for food, prompting a police investigation and renewed concerns over women's safety in the state. The survivor, originally from Jaleswar in Odisha, is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

Incident Details

The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 pm when the student and a male friend went out near their college to eat phuchka (pani puri). According to police sources, a group of young men allegedly began stalking and harassing them. The men reportedly chased away the friend and dragged the student to a forested area behind the college campus, where the gang rape allegedly took place.

The assailants also snatched the victim's mobile phone and discarded it before fleeing. The friend later returned with hostel mates and found the student injured and unconscious. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Parents Demand Justice

The student's parents, who reside in Jaleswar, Odisha, arrived in Durgapur after being informed of the assault. Her father said, "At 10 PM, her friend called us and said your daughter has been raped. The security arrangements are not sufficient. Such a serious incident occurred, but no action has been taken." He added that once his daughter recovers, the family plans to bring her home.

Police Investigation

Durgapur New Township police have registered a case following a complaint lodged by the college authorities. No arrests have been made so far, but the police are working to identify the accused.

Concerns Over Women's Safety in Bengal

The assault has sparked outrage and intensified concerns over women's safety in West Bengal, particularly among students. This case follows several recent incidents, including the rape and murder of a post-graduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College in August last year and the gang rape of a law student in South Calcutta in June. These incidents have raised serious questions about campus and public security for women across the state.