Kolkata/Durgapur: All five accused in the alleged gang rape of a Durgapur private medical college student are now in custody, the West Bengal Police said on Monday after arresting two more individuals.

The arrests come amid a political firestorm over Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remark questioning why the survivor was out late at night. Police had earlier arrested three men on Sunday in connection with the case.

The survivor, a second-year MBBS student from Odisha’s Jaleswar, was allegedly gang-raped by a group of men on Friday night near the premises of the private medical college.

She had reportedly stepped out for dinner with a friend before the assault took place. The 23-year-old student is undergoing treatment at the same hospital and has recorded her statement with the police.

The case drew national attention after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee commented on the incident, saying, “We take such cases very seriously in Bengal. Three people have been arrested, and an investigation is on.

But how could the student leave the campus at night? It is a forest area. The private medical college must take care of its students.”

Her remarks triggered widespread outrage, with many accusing her of victim-blaming. Though Banerjee later clarified that her words were “distorted,” opposition leaders and activists slammed the comment as insensitive.

BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia called Banerjee a “blot on womanhood,” saying, “After RG Kar and Sandeshkhali, now this horrific case — and instead of justice, she blames the victim.”

Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar also hit out at the TMC, alleging that the party had a history of making such comments. “Is the Chief Minister suggesting that women should wear burqas and stay home?” he asked.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised sections of the media for “silence” on Banerjee’s statement, saying on X: “Imagine if this statement was made by a BJP Chief Minister — the entire ecosystem would have gone hysterical.”

Police said further investigation is underway, and forensic tests are being conducted.