Shocking Gang Rape of Medical Student in Durgapur, West Bengal
A horrifying incident of gang rape has shaken West Bengal, where a 23-year-old second-year MBBS student from Odisha, studying at a private medical college in Durgapur, was allegedly gang raped near the college premises on the evening of October 10, 2025. The survivor was returning from dinner with a male friend when five men attacked them near a cremation ground close to the campus. The assault took place between 8 and 8:45 pm. The attackers snatched the survivor’s phone as she tried to call for help and took turns assaulting her. The male friend escaped and is currently in police custody for questioning.
Arrests and Investigation Progress
Following the incident:
Police initially arrested three suspects, and two more were detained later, bringing the total accused to five.
The accused include a former security guard of the college, a hospital employee, a civic body contract worker, and unemployed individuals.
The elder sister of one accused helped police capture the prime accused.
Police plan to conduct a reconstruction of the crime at the scene near the medical college.
Evidence is being collected, including DNA profiling and medical examinations of the accused.
The friend’s role is also under investigation.
Reactions from Authorities and Political Fallout
West Bengal Governor Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose visited the victim and her family in hospital, calling the incident heart-wrenching and urging a "second renaissance" to make Bengal safe for women. He assured that justice would be ensured.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the incident and promised strict action against the culprits. However, her comments suggesting that female students should avoid venturing out at night sparked widespread criticism. She stated that private medical colleges should ensure the safety of girl students, implying they should not be allowed outside after dark. These remarks were perceived as victim-blaming by many and drew criticism from opposition parties, women's groups, and even the Odisha government.
The survivor's father expressed deep distrust in West Bengal’s law enforcement, fearing for his daughter's life, and has appealed to the Odisha government to transfer her to Bhubaneswar for treatment and safety. He rejected the Chief Minister’s comments, clarifying that his daughter went out at 8 pm, not midnight.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance, sought an action report from the West Bengal police within 5 days, and issued an 11-point directive including enhanced campus security measures and academic support for the survivor.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has vehemently condemned the incident and the state's handling of law and order, staging protests and alleging political links between accused persons and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The opposition has called for swift justice and greater accountability from the government.
Public Outcry and Demands
The brutal assault triggered mass outrage and protests by women’s organizations, civil society groups, doctors’ forums, and political activists. Critics decried the state's safety situation for women and demanded reforms to prevent such crimes. The Durgapur Bar Association has refused to represent the accused, and legal aid counsel was appointed on their behalf without seeking bail.
Background and Context
This gang rape incident recalls the horrific RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case from August the previous year, which stirred nationwide protests. Survivors and the public have demanded that justice be delivered swiftly and transparently to break the cycle of violence against women in educational institutions.