National Times Bureau :- The West Bengal Police have arrested three men in connection with the alleged gang rape of a medical student near a private hospital in Durgapur, according to police sources. Two other suspects remain absconding.
The survivor, a second-year MBBS student at a private medical college near Shobhapur, Durgapur—about 170 km from Kolkata—hails from Jaleswar in Odisha. The incident took place late on Friday evening behind the hospital building. As per initial reports, the student had gone out of the campus with a male friend around 8:30 pm when one of the accused allegedly dragged her to a deserted spot and raped her. Police arrived at the scene soon after being alerted and began an investigation. The survivor was admitted to a hospital for medical examination and is currently under observation.
The case has evoked memories of the 2024 RG Kar Medical College case, where a junior doctor was raped and murdered, triggering massive protests across West Bengal.
Police have detained and are questioning several individuals, including staff members of the medical college and the student’s male friend. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and the campus’s security arrangements.
The West Bengal Doctors’ Front (WBDF) strongly condemned the assault, describing it as another “grim reminder” of women’s vulnerability within educational spaces. The organisation demanded swift justice and urged the Chief Justice of India to order a judicial inquiry.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that he had instructed officials to coordinate with the West Bengal government and ensure full support for the survivor’s family. He also appealed to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take “exemplary action” against the culprits.
