Durgapur gang rape: Three arrested, victim in stable condition

Durgapur, West Bengal: Police on Sunday arrested three men in connection with the alleged gang rape of a second-year medical student from Odisha at a private medical college in Durgapur, according to media reports. 

The identities of the three arrested accused were yet to be disclosed by the police.

"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.

Meanwhile, Deputy Magistrate and SDO Durgapur, Ranjana Roy, said after meeting the victim that she is in stable condition and her mother is by her side.

Speaking to reporters, Roy stated, "She is in stable condition and her mother is with her...We are giving her all the support, and we have assured them that action will be taken..."

The incident has triggered widespread concern, with opposition parties criticising the state government over law and order issues. The police initiated an investigation following a formal FIR lodged by the victim’s parents.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the West Bengal DGP, urging the “immediate arrest of all accused persons, a prompt and transparent investigation, and adequate medical and psychological support for the survivor.”

To ensure proper monitoring, NCW member Dr Archana Majumdar has been directed to visit Durgapur, meet the survivor, and review the investigation. Authorities have also been asked to submit a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within five days.

According to the victim's father, a medical student was taken by one of her classmates under the pretence of going to get something to eat. However, two or three other men arrived and raped her. The classmate abandoned her and fled.

"At 10 PM, her friend called us and said that your daughter had been raped. We live in Jaleshwar. My daughter was studying here. Yesterday, one of her classmates took her out on the pretext of getting something to eat, but when two or three other men arrived, he abandoned her and fled. They raped her... This incident occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 PM. The hostel was far away, and she had come here to eat. The security arrangements are not sufficient... Such a serious incident occurred, but no action has been taken. There is no system here, no response..." the victim's father told reporters.