State Police Makes Two More Arrests in Durgapur 'Gang Rape' Case Sterner Action Demanded, Says Governor

NCW Seeks Academic Relief, Safety Measures for Survivor 

PTI, Kolkata, Oct 13, 2025 : Two more arrests were made on Monday in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 23-year-old medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to five, police said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Abhisekh Gupta, told news agency PTI: "Two more arrests have been made. With these, all five accused have been taken into custody on the basis of the complaint filed by the survivor."

The second-year student of a private medical college in Durgapur, hailing from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly gang-raped on Friday night when she went outside the college campus with a male friend to have dinner.

According to police sources, the student initially submitted a brief written statement of three to four lines to the college authorities, stating that she and her friend were walking outside the campus when they were suddenly surrounded by a group of men who then assaulted her. The statement was later forwarded to the police, following which an FIR was lodged and an investigation initiated.

Based on the student's complaint, the police determined that the incident occurred between 8 pm and 8:45 pm on Friday. Investigators said that three men initially surrounded the student and snatched her phone when she tried to call her friends for help. Two more persons later joined them, and together the five men allegedly raped her. The accused also offered her Rs 5,000 to leave quietly, police sources said.

The survivor's male friend, who was accompanying her, is currently under police detention for questioning. Investigators said his movements and conduct on the night of the incident have raised suspicion. According to the survivor's father, who has also filed a separate complaint, the friend fled the scene when the accused surrounded the woman.

Police sources said investigators are examining why he did not alert other students or seek help from the college after fleeing.

The three accused arrested earlier were produced before the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Court on Sunday and remanded to 10 days of police custody. Searches were underway for others who may have been involved or have knowledge of the crime, police said.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the home portfolio, has assured strict action against those involved. "None of the accused will be spared," Mamata said on Sunday. The Chief Minister also questioned the security arrangements at private medical colleges.

Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) Chairperson Sovana Mohanty on Monday left for West Bengal to meet the medical student, her parents, and also hold discussions with the local police.

Meanwhile, an Odisha government delegation, comprising a woman member, a police officer, and a district official, visited Durgapur on Sunday to meet the survivor. However, they were allegedly not allowed to enter the hospital. The team reportedly had to wait outside for a long time and eventually returned without meeting the survivor.

Police said the medical student is currently undergoing treatment and remains under observation.

Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Monday expressed concern over the alleged gang rape, terming the incident "very shocking," and said that stern action must be taken to avoid the recurrence of such incidents. Bose said that he had already sought details about the incident and that those responsible would face strict action. "This is a very shocking incident and it is not that this has happened for the first time. Steps have to be taken to ward off similar instances in future. This has to be looked into seriously, and action has to be taken," the Governor said upon reaching Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district.

Earlier, speaking to journalists at Howrah station, the Governor said, "I have sought information about the incident. Strict action has to be taken against those who have committed this act. I will first meet the survivor before making any comments on the state's law and order situation."

Bose's visit to Durgapur came amid mounting outrage across the state over the alleged sexual assault, which has triggered fresh political sparring between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) on Monday recommended academic relief and enhanced safety measures for the 23-year-old medical student to prevent disruption in her education and ensure her well-being.

Expressing deep anguish over the incident, the Commission's Chairperson, Vijaya Rahatkar, sent a set of recommendations to West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, emphasizing the urgent need to address the trauma-induced academic disruption faced by the survivor.

The recommendations follow a fact-finding visit by NCW member Archana Majumdar to Durgapur.

"As the victim may miss her upcoming examination due to trauma, the National Medical Commission (NMC) and university authorities should arrange a special examination to prevent academic loss," NCW said. To ensure the survivor's long-term well-being and educational continuity, the NCW said it would facilitate her change of institution.