Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Commission for Women (OSCW) on Sunday announced that it would send a team to Durgapur, West Bengal, to assess the health and safety of a 23-year-old Odia medical student who was allegedly gang-raped near her college on Friday evening.

OSCW chairperson Sovana Mohanty called the incident “barbaric, condemnable, and painful” and said she had written to the West Bengal Women’s Commission, the state police, and senior police officials demanding swift action. “The girl and her male friend had gone out for evening snacks when three miscreants accosted them, demanded money, and later assaulted her after the male friend fled,” she told reporters.

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The survivor’s father, a resident of Jaleswar in Odisha’s Balasore district, expressed concern for his daughter’s safety and requested that she be allowed to continue her studies in Odisha. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured the family of all legal and administrative support, directing officials to coordinate with West Bengal authorities. Additional officials, including the SP and district magistrate of Balasore, visited Durgapur to meet the parents and local police, offering assistance.

The West Bengal police said security camera footage showed the survivor and her friend leaving the campus around 7:54 pm. The male student returned briefly before escorting the survivor back at 9:30 pm. The accused reportedly threatened her and demanded money for returning her mobile phone, which was later recovered by police after arrests.

The incident has drawn political attention. Odisha BJP leaders, including MP Baijayant Panda, criticised the West Bengal government for alleged lapses in law and order. In contrast, Trinamool Congress leaders condemned statements alleging communal involvement, terming them politically motivated. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan described the attack as “despicable and painful,” emphasising that crimes against women have no place in society.

The case has highlighted safety concerns for students from other states in West Bengal. OSCW’s planned visit aims to monitor the survivor’s recovery and ensure her rights are protected. West Bengal authorities have assured cooperation and confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with the main accused still at large. Political responses have intensified tensions, as Odisha leaders seek stricter action while West Bengal officials maintain due process. The case underscores the urgent need for robust security measures in and around educational institutions.
(With PTI inputs)