WEST BENGAL:
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock over the alleged gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur and advised colleges to ensure that female students do not go out at night. The incident has sparked outrage and renewed discussions on student safety and college security.
Incident details
The survivor, a medical student from Jaleswar, Odisha, was allegedly gangraped while stepping out with a classmate to get food between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. According to her father, two or three men reportedly arrived during this time. Her classmate allegedly abandoned her and fled, leaving her vulnerable to the attack.
“At 10 PM, her friend called us and said your daughter had been raped. The hostel was far, security was insufficient, and no immediate action was taken,” the father told reporters.
The Durgapur Police have registered a case and three accused have been arrested so far. They were presented before the court on Sunday. DCP Abhishek Gupta of the Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate said investigations are ongoing and being conducted according to protocol.
Mamata Banerjee’s response
Speaking on the incident, Mamata Banerjee condemned the attack and assured strict action against the perpetrators.
“Nobody will be excused. Whoever is guilty will be punished strictly. Three people have already been arrested. We will take stringent action… When it happens in other states, it is also condemnable,” she said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted similar incidents in other states such as Odisha, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, questioning the lack of strict action elsewhere.
“Three weeks ago, three girls were raped on the beach in Odisha. What action is being taken by the Odisha government? Such incidents have taken place in Manipur, UP, Bihar, Odisha; the government must take stringent action there,” she said.
She urged private colleges to take preventive measures, particularly restricting female students from going out at night, citing safety concerns in surrounding areas.
Safety concerns raised by the family
The student’s father criticized the college’s lack of adequate security, calling the incident preventable. Villagers and locals have expressed concerns about poorly secured roads and hostels, especially in areas near forested or isolated stretches.
Authorities continue to investigate, examining CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and to strengthen safety protocols for students in the city.