Durgapur: In a shocking incident that has triggered outrage and protests, West Bengal Police on Saturday detained a male friend of a second-year medical student from Odisha, who was allegedly gang-raped near a private medical college and hospital in Durgapur, West Burdwan district.

Who has been detained in the case?

The detained person is a male student who was accompanying the victim at the time of the assault on Friday night. His involvement is under investigation. As of Saturday evening, no other arrests have been made, but multiple suspects are being tracked by police.

What happened on Friday night?

The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. when the victim, a resident of Jaleswar, Odisha, left the campus with her friend for an evening snack. A group of young men on motorcycles allegedly followed them, made lewd comments, and then chased away the male friend.

According to police reports, the assailants dragged the victim into a forested area, gang-raped her, and threw away her mobile phone. The friend later returned with help from fellow students and found the injured woman lying on the ground. She was admitted to a local hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

What are police and authorities doing?

Following a complaint by the college authorities, the Durgapur New Township Police launched a formal investigation.

Abhishek Gupta, Deputy Commissioner (East), Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, said, “The investigation is ongoing. If new information comes in, we will inform the public. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, we are proceeding carefully, keeping all aspects in mind.”

How has the State government responded?

The West Bengal Health Department has demanded a report from the private medical college.

Principal Secretary Narayan Swarup Nigam stated that they expect to receive the report by Sunday morning. Further action will be taken based on its findings.”

How did students and locals react?

Angry students staged protests inside the college campus, accusing the administration of failing to provide adequate security.

Outside the college, CPI(M) workers also protested, demanding justice.

BJP leaders joined in, condemning the incident and pointing to what they described as a worsening law and order situation in the state.

Archana Majumdar, a member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), condemned the attack, linking it to broader systemic failures in West Bengal.

“Sexual assault and rape incidents are increasing because culprits are not caught or punished promptly. We have not seen rapists or murderers face the ultimate punishment here. Justice is being delayed due to some invisible hands.”

She also referred to the RG Kar Medical College case from last year, where a postgraduate medical trainee was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Although one person was convicted, the CBI has yet to conclude its probe into a possible larger conspiracy.

What does the victim’s family say?

The victim’s father told reporters, “My daughter is not safe here. I will not let her continue her education here anymore. I will take her home.”

The family has called for immediate arrests and accountability from both police and college authorities.