3 arrested in Durgapur's medical college student gang rape case, CM's remarks spark controversy

Kolkata: Police have arrested three persons in connection with the alleged gang rape of a MBBS student from a private medical college in Durgapur, Paschim Bardhaman district. The identities of the accused have not been disclosed, and they are currently being questioned by the authorities.

The incident, which took place outside the college campus on Friday night, involved a second-year MBBS student from Odisha who had gone out for dinner with a friend. The student is undergoing treatment at a local hospital and has already provided her statement to the police.

Authorities have described the case as “very sensitive” and said further details will be shared as the investigation progresses.

Speaking to PTI, police informed, "Three persons were arrested on Sunday for their alleged involvement in the 'gang rape' of student of a private medical college in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district."

“We have arrested three persons in connection with the case. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive case and we will give out further details later,” the police officer told PTI.

Also Read:Sangli Horror: 2 medicos arrested for sedating, raping fellow MBBS student

Medical Dialogues had earlier rrported that some men in Durgapur allegedly raped the MBBS student hailing from Odisha’s Jaleswar.

The incident reportedly took place outside the campus of the private medical college in Durgapur on Friday night when the second-year student went out with one of her friends for dinner.

The student is undergoing treatment at the hospital itself and has given her statement to the police.

The incident has triggered political mudslinging between the ruling Trinamool Congress and opposition parties.

It prompted Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to express concern and call upon West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee to take swift action against the perpetrators.

Uproar over Mamata Banerjee's statement:

Meanwhile, a political uproar erupted over the comments of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she suggested women should not go out at night. She was interacting with the media persons, on the alleged gang rape of a second year private medical college MBBS student in Durgapur at Kolkata Airport premises, before going to North Bengal. She said an investigation in this case is going on and all the accused will be punished.

The Bengal CM said in her first response to the gang rape of the medical student outside her Durgapur college campus, "She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 at night? Students staying in hostels, especially those who have come to West Bengal to study from outside, are expected to follow the rules of the hostels. They should avoid venturing out late at night, although they have the fundamental right to go wherever they want."

Addressing the media, Banerjee said that "a girl should not be allowed to go out at night," while adding that it was unfair to blame her government since the incident took place at a private medical college. Banerjee said the medical institution concerned also bears responsibility for the incident.

“I’m shocked to see the incident, but private medical colleges should also take care of their students, and especially girls. The girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night. They have to protect themselves also. There is a forest area,” Mamata said, quotes ANI

"Private colleges must ensure security within and around their campuses," she said.

The police have certain logistical limitations in monitoring the movement of every individual, Banerjee said. “Officers would not know who is leaving home at night and cannot stand guard outside every home.”

Terming the incident “despicable and painful”, Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in an X post, "Have learnt that the survivor is receiving medical care. Pray for her earliest recovery. Such shameful incidents and crimes against women have no place in society."

Slamming the TMC government in West Bengal, the SCW chief said, "Law and order has deteriorated in the state. Three accused persons were arrested after 36 hours of the incident, while another two are still absconding."

Banerjee, however, later alleged that her comments were taken out of context.

Also Read:MBBS student from Odisha allegedly raped in Bengal, police launch probe

NCW demands action:

The National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the West Bengal DGP seeking the immediate arrest of the accused. The NCW has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident. In a social media post, NCW has informed that it has asked for an action taken report within 5 days.

Dr Archana Majumdar, member of the NCW, visited the private medical college in Durgapur. She also spoke to the victim in the hospital and inspected the crime spot.