In a significant development, three people have been taken into custody concerning the gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student from Odisha in Durgapur, West Bengal. The incident, which occurred near a private medical college, has resulted in the filing of charges under sections related to gang-rape and criminal liability for acts done in furtherance of common intention.
The victim, a 23-year-old student from Jaleswar, Odisha, was reportedly attacked on Friday night. She had reportedly gone out for dinner with a male friend when a group of men allegedly accosted them near the college’s Shivapur campus. The assailants are said to have pulled the woman into a wooded area adjacent to the campus and assaulted her before making their escape. The police have not yet revealed the names of the three individuals arrested.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has intervened, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The NCW chairperson has urged the Director General of Police to ensure a speedy and transparent investigation, secure the arrest of all culprits, and provide comprehensive medical and psychological support for the survivor. An upcoming visit by an NCW official to Durgapur is planned to review the progress and gather information on the ‘Action Taken’ within five days.
West Bengal Police have confirmed that the victim is recovering and is being supported by her family and law enforcement. They have also appealed to the public to rely only on official information. The department has reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to protecting women and ensuring that the perpetrators face the full force of the law.