Odisha medical student gang rape in WB’s Durgapur: Main accused still at large, claims Balasore MP

Balasore MP Pratap Sarangi on Sunday levelled serious allegations regarding the handling of the Odisha medical student’s gang rape case in Durgapur, expressing concern over the law and order situation in West Bengal.

According to the MP, West Bengal has become increasingly unsafe, and it has become a hub for anti-social elements and terrorist activities. He emphasised the urgent need for action, noting that the main accused in the Durgapur case remains absconding despite ongoing investigations.

MP Sarangi visited the incident site to assess the situation first-hand and demanded the immediate arrest of the prime accused. He called for stricter measures to ensure the safety of citizens and curb criminal activities in the state.

“West Bengal has now become a safe haven for terrorists and anti-social elements. The government seems to be promoting such activities. While three persons have been arrested, the main accused is still at large,” Sarangi added.

The MP’s remarks come amid growing public concern over rising crime rates and the perceived inability of local authorities to maintain law and order. 

West Bengal authorities are yet to comment on the MP’s allegations, while investigations into the Durgapur gang-rape case continue.

Notably, the crime reportedly took place late Friday night in a relatively isolated forested stretch behind the hospital building near Shobhapur. Preliminary findings suggest that the survivor, a second-year MBBS student from Jaleswar in Balasore district, had stepped out of the campus with a male friend to get food when four to five men allegedly started following them. 

Also Read: Odisha Women’s Commission team heads to Durgapur to help MBBS gangrape survivor; alleges no support from WB Commission

The men allegedly attacked the pair, dragged the girl away from her companion, and committed the assault before fleeing. While three accused have been arrested, two are still at large even after 36 hours have passed to the heinous crime.