A second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped by unidentified men in Durgapur, West Bengal, on Friday night. The incident occurred around 10 PM when the student, who is from Jaleswar, went out for dinner with a friend. She is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital, according to police officials.
The victim's family arrived in Durgapur on Saturday morning after being informed by her friends about the incident. The student's mother stated that her daughter was attacked shortly after they left the college campus. "We came here this morning and lodged a complaint with the police. I have heard that the college performed well academically, and this is why we sent our daughter to study medicine here," her father said.
Initial investigations revealed that the student and her friend left the campus around 8-8:30 PM. The friend left her alone when three men approached them, snatched her phone, and took her to a nearby jungle where they assaulted her. The attackers reportedly threatened her with severe consequences if she reported the incident and also demanded money for the return of her mobile phone.
The police have recorded the victim's statement and are working to gather evidence, including reviewing CCTV footage from the area. A forensic team is expected to visit the site to collect further evidence. A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is also on its way to meet the victim and her family.
Archana Majumdar, a member of the NCW, expressed concern over the rising crime against women in Bengal, stating, "The police are not taking any proactive steps in such cases. This is quite unfortunate. I will request the chief minister to come forward and work in tandem to arrest the rise of such crimes."
In response to the incident, the state health department has requested a report from the private medical college regarding the situation. A senior official mentioned, "We have sought a quick report from the college authorities in this connection. Accordingly, we will take steps."