Durgapur MBBS student gang-rape: A second-year MBBS student from Odisha was gang-raped near a private medical college in West Bengal’s Durgapur on Friday night, sparking outrage and renewed concerns over women’s safety in the state. The 23-year-old survivor is battling for her life in hospital, while the National Commission for Women (NCW) has sent a team to Durgapur to meet her family.
Officials said the student, a native of Jaleswar in Odisha and enrolled at IQ City Medical College in Durgapur’s Shivapur area, was accosted by a group of men near the college gate around 8.30 pm. She had gone out with a male friend, who allegedly fled the spot as the attackers dragged her to a nearby wooded area and raped her.
The survivor’s father, in his police complaint, alleged that her friend “misled her and took her to a vacant place under false pretexts.” He also claimed that the attackers snatched his daughter’s phone and took ₹5,000 from her.
The young woman was rushed to a local hospital in Durgapur, where her condition remains critical.
Police Questioning Survivor’s Friend
Police have launched a full-scale investigation, detaining several people including the survivor’s friend for questioning.
“The statement of the survivor has been recorded. We are examining all leads, including the role of her companion,” said a senior police official.
West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Shashi Panja said the government will ensure the survivor receives both medical care and psychological support.
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“The parents have expressed faith in the police investigation. Such crimes should not be politicised,” Panja said, reacting to BJP’s local protest against the state government.
NCW Sends Team to Durgapur
A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is on its way to Durgapur to meet the survivor and her family. NCW member Archana Majumdar criticised the state’s law enforcement response.
“Crime against women is on the rise in Bengal. The police are not taking proactive steps in such cases. This is quite unfortunate. I will request the Chief Minister to work in tandem to address this issue,” she said.
The state health department has also sought a report from the medical college.
Growing Anger Over Women’s Safety in West Bengal
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) government has come under growing scrutiny for its handling of women’s safety. This latest case comes just months after two high-profile incidents in Kolkata.
In July 2025, a law student was allegedly gang-raped on the premises of South Calcutta Law College. A former student, two current students, and a security guard were arrested.
In August 2024, the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College triggered nationwide protests. The accused, civic volunteer Sanjay Roy, was sentenced to life imprisonment.
