Odisha medical student gang-raped outside college campus in West Bengal’s Durgapur

A second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near a private medical college in Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal on Friday night. Sources reported that the student, hailing from Jaleswar in Balasore district, is currently undergoing treatment, and her condition is said to be critical.

According to preliminary police reports, the survivor, a second-year MBBS student at a private medical college near Shobhapur in Durgapur, stepped out of the campus with a male friend.

The two were reportedly heading to eat street food when a group of four to five men intercepted them near the college gate. The men allegedly dragged the student to a secluded spot behind the hospital building and committed the assault.

The survivor’s male friend reportedly informed the girl’s family and brought her back to the hostel after the incident.

Police Investigation Underway

Reports added that Paschim Bardhaman police have started an investigation. Sources said investigators are also examining CCTV footage from the vicinity and verifying statements from witnesses, college security staff, and the student’s friend.

It is worth noting that the medical college authorities have not issued a public statement yet.

Following the incident, unrest prevailed on the campus as scores of students staged a demonstration demanding immediate arrests of the accused.

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National Women’s Commission Takes Cognisance

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case. A special team has been dispatched to Durgapur to meet the survivor and monitor the progress of the police probe.

The incident has drawn strong reactions from women’s rights groups, who have demanded immediate arrests and enhanced campus security across private medical institutions in West Bengal.

The assault has revived memories of the 2024 rape and murder of a postgraduate student at Kolkata’s state-run RG Kar Medical College, a case that sparked nationwide outrage and calls for reform in campus security.

West Bengal Police Assures Swift Justice

In response to the incident, West Bengal police condemned the assault on the Odisha medical student and assured swift justice and support for the victim.

"We are deeply saddened by the sexual assault on a medical student from Odisha in Durgapur, and wish to assure all that the culprits shall not go unpunished. The pain of the victim is as much ours as it is Odisha's, and we shall leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to justice. The victim is recovering well and all kinds of assistance are being provided to the family. We urge everyone to refrain from sharing any unverified information in this regard. West Bengal Police remains committed to its zero tolerance policy in respect of offences against women," West Bengal police wrote on X  (Earlier known as Twitter).

NCW Calls for Urgent Security Measures

Meanwhile, on meeting the victim of Durgapur Medical College gangrape case, NCW member Archana Majumdar expressed shock and grief.

"This is really unfortunate and alarming, and I am very shocked. The medical student staying in the hostel went out for food around 8 p.m., and by that time, she was raped by a man, even though one of her male friends was with her. The girl said she was in the area and, during her walk with her friend around the midway, she noticed some people following them. One of these individuals is aged and was at a significant distance. That man followed them, and she was scared. They pulled her towards the forest. There, she was surrounded by 4-5 men. One of them raped her completely, causing injuries. Afterwards, another man also molested her. Meanwhile, her friend returned and rescued her. She went back to the hospital," said Majumdar.

"However, this is not the primary concern. The real concern is that in a medical college with such a large facility, and not far from the city, the college operates without a CCTV camera. Outside the college campus, if there is no proper illumination or security at the gate, it is not reflected who is going out or coming back. Even without police surveillance or patrolling, such incidents can occur. No one can prevent them. Therefore, all parties involved—college authorities, administration, police, and local municipalities—must be very careful and install proper lighting, cameras, and other necessary arrangements to prevent such an incident," Majumdar added.