Outrage in Durgapur Over Alleged Gangrape of Odia Medical Student, Political Row Erupts Over CM’s Remarks

Outrage in Durgapur Over Alleged Gangrape of Odia Medical Student, Political Row Erupts Over CM’s Remarks

CNB World Times

Durgapur/Bhubaneswar, 13^th Oct 2025: The alleged gangrape of a second-year MBBS student from Odisha studying at a private medical college in Durgapur has triggered massive outrage and political debate across states. The survivor, originally from Jaleswar in Balasore district, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Durgapur. Her condition is reported to be stable.

According to the survivor’s father, his daughter went out with a male classmate late on Friday night to get food when a group of two to three men allegedly attacked and raped her near the college campus. He said the classmate fled the scene, leaving her behind. Police have detained the male friend for questioning but have not yet made any arrests.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday courted controversy with her comments on the incident. While assuring that strict action would be taken against the culprits, she questioned why women were allowed to go out late at night. “The girls should not be allowed to go outside at night. They have to protect themselves also,” Banerjee said, drawing sharp criticism from women’s rights groups and opposition leaders for victim-blaming.

In response, the Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) chairperson Sovana Mohanty led a three-member team to Durgapur on Monday to meet the survivor and review the ongoing investigation. “We want to ensure that she is receiving proper treatment and that all necessary evidence has been collected. We will also urge the authorities to ensure a speedy trial through a fast-track court,” Mohanty said.

Earlier, NCW member Archana Majumdar visited the survivor and said her condition had improved. The Odisha government has extended full support to the survivor’s family. The girl’s father, however, expressed concern over her safety and sought to bring her back to Odisha for continued treatment.

Protests broke out on Saturday at the private medical college, with students demanding justice and stronger campus security. On Sunday, BJP leaders, including former MP Locket Chatterjee, clashed with police outside the hospital after being stopped from meeting the survivor. They accused the West Bengal government of mishandling the case and failing to ensure women’s safety.

Police sources said the accused may be from nearby villages and efforts are underway to identify and arrest all those involved. Forensic evidence has been collected, and CCTV footage from the area is being examined.

According to the new information has come to light in the alleged gangrape case of a medical student in Durgapur. The incident happened between 8:00 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Based on the student’s complaint, three people first surrounded her. When she tried to call her college friends for help, they snatched her phone. Later, two more men joined them, making a total of five accused in the crime as per the police sources.

It is also alleged that the attackers later asked the young woman to pay Rs 5,000 to get her phone back. Investigators said the student’s male friend ran away when the five men surrounded her.

The victim’s father has questioned the role of this male friend. He said that the friend abandoned his daughter in her time of need and might have been involved in the incident. He has also lodged a separate complaint with the police against the classmate.

A police source said that the way the male friend ran away raised several questions. Investigators are also checking if he could have called others from the college to help the student but did not do so.

“Investigation is on. We are probing all possible angles,” said a senior officer of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), rape remains one of the most common crimes against women in India. In 2021, over 31,600 rape cases were registered nationwide — about 86 cases daily — with nearly 89% of victims knowing the accused personally. Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers, while Delhi had the most cases among cities. Kolkata had the least number of registered rape cases among metropolitan cities, with the lowest rape rate.

Women’s rights activists have called for stronger law enforcement, safer campuses, and widespread awareness campaigns to combat sexual violence. They also urged political leaders to act responsibly and avoid making statements that shift blame to victims instead of addressing systemic failures.

The Durgapur case has once again highlighted the urgent need for social and institutional reforms to ensure that women can study, work, and move freely without fear — at any hour of the day.