Bengal not safe! Dharmendra Pradhan, Jay Panda condemn gangrape of Odia MBBS student; demand stern action

Strong reactions have emerged from Odisha’s political leadership after the alleged gangrape of a second-year Odia medical student near a private medical college in Durgapur, Paschim Bardhaman district of West Bengal, on Friday evening.

The survivor, hailing from the Balasore district of Odisha, is currently under treatment in Durgapur, where her condition is now said to be stable after a period of criticality.

Union Education Minister Seeks Swift Action

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan termed the incident “despicable and painful” and urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to ensure a fair probe and strict punishment.

In a social media post, Pradhan said he learnt that the survivor was receiving medical care and prayed for her speedy recovery. “Such shameful incidents and crimes against women have no place in society,” he added.

BJP National Vice-President Jay Panda Slams WB Govt

BJP national vice-president and Kendrapara MP Jay Panda also condemned the incident. In a social media post, Panda wrote, “West Bengal has sadly become a safe haven for criminals! The shocking gangrape of an Odia student in Durgapur exposes the alarming collapse of law & order in the state. Neither local residents nor students from other states are safe anymore.”

In his post on X, Panda also urged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to personally intervene and ensure the accused face the harshest possible punishment.

ALSO READ: Odisha medical student gang-rape case: Three arrested after 36 hours in Durgapur, 2 accused still absconding

Odisha CM Expresses Shock

On Saturday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep shock and demanded exemplary action against the accused.

In a statement, CM Majhi described the incident as “highly condemnable and painful” and said he had instructed senior officials to contact the West Bengal government for necessary coordination. 

“All possible assistance will be provided to the victim’s family on behalf of the Odisha government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Durgapur Police have arrested three persons in connection with the case, 36 hours after the incident. Officials said the identities of the accused have not yet been disclosed, and interrogation is continuing to determine the sequence of events and the involvement of others.