Kolkata, 12 October (H.S.) - West Bengal police have taken three suspects into custody in connection with the gang rape of a medical student from Odisha at a private medical college in Durgapur, West Burdwan district. The suspects are currently being interrogated at the police station. Authorities have also deployed drone cameras to conduct searches around the college campus and nearby areas, while forensic teams are collecting evidence from the scene.

The victim, a second-year student from Odisha, had gone outside the college campus with a classmate on Friday night. According to reports, a group of youths first harassed her and then forcibly took her to a nearby forested area, where she was allegedly gang-raped.

During the investigation, police initially detained the student’s classmate to verify his account of events. Late at night, two additional suspects were taken into custody. No formal arrests have yet been made, although several other individuals involved have been identified.

The college administration released a statement on Saturday outlining the timeline of events captured on CCTV footage. The footage showed that the student spent approximately 90 minutes outside the campus that evening. She first left with a classmate, returned briefly alone, and then went out again, returning around 40 minutes later with her classmate before heading to her hostel. After informing friends about the incident, she was immediately taken to a hospital. The CCTV recorded her leaving the campus at 7:58 PM and returning at 9:31 PM.

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National Commission for Women Steps In

Following the incident, NCW member Archana Majumdar met the victim. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the West Bengal Director General of Police demanding the immediate arrest of all accused, a transparent investigation, and support for the victim.

The “West Bengal Junior Doctors Front,” which had actively led protests during last year’s RG Kar Medical College case, has also called for a fair and impartial investigation.

The West Bengal Police, in a statement issued Saturday night, reaffirmed its “zero tolerance” policy towards crimes against women and assured that the perpetrators would not be spared.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party staged protests against the state administration, surrounding the New Township Police Station in Durgapur, led by local MLA Laxman Ghorui.

State Minister for Women and Child Development, Shashi Panja, said, “The police have acted promptly. The victim is from Odisha and has expressed confidence in the state police investigation.”

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Odisha CM Condemns Incident

Odisha Chief Minister Mohancharan Majhi expressed strong outrage over the incident and urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure strict and exemplary action against the perpetrators.

The police continue to search dense areas near the college with the assistance of drone cameras. Investigators are working to identify the culprits based on the victim’s statement, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh