Three Arrested in Gang Rape of Medical Student in West Bengal
Police in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district have arrested three people for the alleged gang rape of a second-year medical student from Odisha. The incident occurred in Durgapur on Friday night when the student went outside her private college campus. The case has sparked outrage and drawn inter-state attention, with Odisha's Chief Minister contacting his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, to demand swift and stringent action against the perpetrators.
Unpacked:
Odisha's Chief Minister contacted West Bengal’s Chief Minister, demanding strict action. West Bengal’s Chief Minister expressed shock, promised a thorough investigation, and vowed strict punishment for the guilty. Both governments have assured support to the victim’s family, and Odisha is assisting with her potential transfer to a college in her home state.
Three men—Apu Bauri, Firdos Sekh, and Sekh Reajuddin—have been arrested and charged under sections related to gang rape and criminal conspiracy. The accused are from Bijra village. One additional person, the victim’s male friend, is currently detained and under police questioning.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage, including protests in West Bengal. There is inter-state attention, with people in Odisha expressing anger and demanding justice. The case has drawn media scrutiny and sparked discussions about student safety and institutional responsibility.
The West Bengal Chief Minister criticized the private medical college for not ensuring student safety, especially at night, and called for better oversight. Police have increased search operations and are using drones in the area. The college’s specific response has not been detailed in available reports.