A 23-year-old MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near IQ City Medical College in Durgapur on Friday night, sparking outrage across the state. The second-year student, from Jaleswar in Odisha, had gone out with a male friend when a group of men stopped them near the college gate around 8:30 pm. The men reportedly dragged her into a nearby wooded area, assaulted her, and took away her mobile phone and ₹5,000 in cash.
The survivor’s friend fled the scene during the attack and is now being questioned by the police. The victim was admitted to a Durgapur hospital in critical condition. Doctors say she suffered multiple injuries and is receiving both medical and psychological support.
Police from the Asansol-Durgapur Commissionerate have launched a full-scale investigation. Several suspects have been detained for questioning, and forensic teams have collected evidence from the scene. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas to identify the perpetrators.
West Bengal’s Women and Child Development Minister, Shashi Panja, said the government is committed to ensuring the survivor receives proper care. She also appealed to the public not to politicise the incident. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognisance of the case and sent a team to Durgapur to meet the survivor and her family. The state health department has also sought a report from the college regarding its safety measures.
The victim’s father alleged that her friend misled her, leading to the assault. He demanded strict action against all involved and criticised the college for inadequate security arrangements.
This case has once again highlighted concerns over women’s safety in West Bengal, particularly around college campuses. It comes months after other high-profile incidents, including the alleged gang-rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College in July and the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata last year.
Police said they are awaiting detailed medical and forensic reports to strengthen the investigation. They assured the public that all accused will be brought to justice and called for anyone with information to come forward. Civil society and women’s rights groups have urged stricter security measures in and around educational institutions to prevent such crimes.
