In a dramatic turn in the Durgapur gang rape case, the sister of the prime accused helped West Bengal Police track him down under the Andal bridge. The 23-year-old medical student’s brutal assault has sparked public fury and intense political debate across the state.
Police confirmed on Tuesday that all five accused are now in custody. The case, which has already triggered widespread protests and a political storm, took a pivotal turn thanks to the accused’s own sister.
“I wanted him to face the law. Our family should not be shamed because of him,” Rozina Sk reportedly told police after leading them to her brother, Safiq Sk.
How the Arrest Happened
Police sources said Safiq Sk, who had been on the run since Friday’s incident, trembled as he surrendered when his sister guided officers to his hiding spot.
Another accused, Sk Nasiruddin, whose motorcycle was allegedly used to flee the crime scene, was arrested shortly after. The arrests completed the roundup of all five accused — Safiq Sk, Nasiruddin, Riyazuddin, Apu Barui, and Firdaus Sk.
Three of them were arrested on October 12 and remanded to ten days’ custody, while the two arrested on Monday have been remanded for nine days.
Reconstruction and Evidence Hunt Underway
Investigators said the accused are likely to be taken to the forest patch near Paranaganj Kali Bari cremation ground for crime scene reconstruction. This area is close to the private medical college where the survivor studied.
“Reconstruction is a vital part of the investigation, and we’re planning to conduct it soon,” a senior officer said.
Earlier, police recovered concealed evidence from the accused’s homes. All five will undergo medical tests. DNA profiling and a test identification parade will follow once the survivor is ready to record her statement.
The 23-year-old medical student from Balasore, Odisha, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday night between 8 pm and 8.45 pm. She and a male friend were attacked near a cremation ground. The men snatched her phone and took turns assaulting her while her friend fled.
Among the accused, one worked as a college security guard, another at a hospital, one as a civic contract worker, and one is unemployed.
Political Storm Erupts
The brutality of the assault and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments have set off a massive political flashpoint. The survivor’s father compared Bengal to “Aurangzeb’s rule”, saying he wants to bring his daughter back to Odisha for her safety.
Banerjee’s remarks suggesting that medical colleges should restrict students from going out at night drew sharp backlash. Odisha Deputy CM Pravati Parida called the statement “insulting to all women.”
TMC MP Saugata Roy backed the CM’s comments, while BJP leaders launched a six-day sit-in at Durgapur City Centre, alleging political shielding.
Governor and NCW Step In
Governor CV Ananda Bose visited Durgapur to meet the survivor and her family, saying Bengal “needs a second renaissance” to make it safe for women.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) issued an 11-point directive to ensure the survivor’s education continues and that security measures are strengthened on campus. This includes special exams, the option to transfer colleges, CCTV installation, and a permanent police outpost.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. The survivor must receive the best medical care, and a fast-track trial should ensure exemplary punishment,” NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said.
As the legal process unfolds, the accused remain in police custody. The Durgapur Bar Association has refused to represent them. Legal aid counsel filed vakalatnama but did not seek bail.
“All five accused have been arrested. We assure the family that the culprits will not be spared,” said Asansol-Durgapur police commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary.
