Fourth Arrest Made in Durgapur Gang-Rape Case
West Bengal Police have arrested a fourth accused in the alleged gang-rape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur. Three of the arrested individuals have been remanded to 10 days in police custody as the investigation continues. The student, who hails from Odisha, was attacked outside her college campus on Friday night. The case has sparked outrage and prompted a delegation from the Odisha State Commission for Women to travel to Durgapur to support the survivor.
Unpacked:
The West Bengal Health Department has asked the private college for a report on the incident, with further action likely based on its findings. Meanwhile, students have protested, alleging negligence in campus security. The police have increased vigilance, and authorities are under public pressure to implement stricter safety protocols for women students, especially at night. However, no specific new measures have been announced yet.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed shock and called for private colleges to ensure student safety, while also controversially suggesting that girls should not go out at night. The Odisha State Commission for Women has sent a delegation to Durgapur to support the survivor, review her care, and monitor the investigation. The National Commission for Women has urged police to interrogate the survivor's friend, who is under scrutiny.
The survivor, a second-year MBBS student from Odisha, is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Durgapur and has given her statement to police. Her family has requested her transfer to Odisha, citing safety concerns in West Bengal. The Odisha State Commission for Women is ensuring she receives proper medical care and is advocating for her rights and a thorough investigation.
Students at the college staged protests, accusing authorities of failing to ensure women's safety on campus. The case has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for stricter laws and faster justice. The survivor's father has publicly demanded her relocation, reflecting broader concerns about the safety of women students, especially those from other states studying in West Bengal.