Kolkata, 17 October (H.S.): The investigation into the gang-rape of a student at a private medical college in Durgapur has reached a crucial stage. So far, police have arrested five accused individuals along with a male classmate of the victim. The clothes worn by the classmate on the day of the incident have also been sent for forensic examination.

On Thursday, police re-cordoned a section near the crime scene. On Friday afternoon, a forensic team visited the newly cordoned area and collected soil samples. According to police sources, traces of blood were found at the site from where the soil was collected. The entire process of sample collection was also videographed.

Officials stated that the forensic report is expected to significantly guide the investigation. Police confirmed that the local youths involved had arrived at the scene on three motorcycles and two bicycles, all of which have been seized.

The victim, who had been admitted to the hospital, was discharged on Friday.

The incident occurred on the night of October 10, around 9 PM. The victim had gone out of the college campus with a classmate when a group of local youths allegedly dragged her into a nearby forest and committed the assault. Initially, complaints were filed against five individuals, all of whom have been arrested. Later, suspicion also fell on the victim’s classmate, who was taken into custody.

Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Chowdhury stated that, based on technical evidence and the victim’s testimony, one of the accused directly committed the assault. The roles of the remaining accused are still under thorough investigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh