In a disturbing case that has sent shockwaves across two states, police in West Bengal’s Durgapur have arrested three men in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student from Odisha studying at IQ City Medical College. Officials confirmed on Sunday (October 12) that the accused are locals, and several others, including the survivor’s male friend, are being interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to police sources, the incident occurred on Friday night outside the college campus when the 20-year-old student, a native of Jaleswar in Odisha’s Balasore district, went out for dinner with her male friend. Preliminary findings suggest that the two left the campus at 7:58 pm, as per the college’s security log. The male student reportedly returned alone at 8:42 pm, loitered near the exit for about five minutes, and then stepped out again at around 8:48 pm. Both students returned together at 9:29 pm, and the survivor headed toward the girls’ hostel at approximately 9:31 pm.
Shortly after, the survivor reportedly confided to her friends and hostel authorities about the assault. The college administration immediately alerted the police, who reached the spot and began a forensic and field investigation. The victim was admitted to a nearby hospital for medical examination and counselling support.
A senior police officer from Durgapur said, “We have arrested three local men who are directly linked to the incident. Interrogation of the survivor’s friend and other individuals connected to the case is also underway. We are verifying CCTV footage and mobile call records to establish the sequence of events.”
The college administration issued a statement condemning the assault, assuring full cooperation with law enforcement agencies. “We are deeply disturbed by the alleged incident and are working closely with the police to ensure justice for the student,” said a spokesperson for IQ City Medical College.
The case has triggered widespread outrage, particularly in Odisha, where the student hails from. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi strongly condemned the incident, calling it “highly condemnable and painful.” In a post on social media platform X, Majhi wrote, “I am deeply shocked upon hearing this news. In this sensitive matter, I strongly urge West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to take exemplary action against the accused as per the law.”
He further added, “I pray for the speedy recovery of the victim. I have also instructed senior officials to contact the West Bengal government and take necessary steps. All possible assistance will be provided to the victim’s family on behalf of the Odisha government.”
Majhi has personally spoken with the survivor’s father, assuring him that the Odisha government will extend every possible support to the family during the legal and medical proceedings.
Meanwhile, political reactions have begun surfacing in both states. Opposition leaders in West Bengal have criticised the Mamata Banerjee government for the deteriorating law and order situation, particularly regarding crimes against women. In Odisha, student organisations and women’s rights groups have demanded a time-bound probe and stringent punishment for the perpetrators.
Locals in Durgapur’s Shivapur area, where the incident took place, reported increased police presence over the weekend. Officers have been deployed at key points near the medical college and hostels to prevent any unrest or protest gatherings.
Officials have also assured that the medical college’s internal security protocols are being reviewed, and steps will be taken to enhance surveillance and student safety within and around the campus premises.
The brutal assault has reopened the debate over the safety of women students studying away from their home states. Activists have urged both the Odisha and West Bengal governments to jointly ensure justice for the victim and accountability from the educational institution where the incident occurred.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are piecing together the timeline through digital and CCTV evidence. Police sources have indicated that the arrested men are being interrogated to determine their roles and possible premeditation.
With the arrests made and statements recorded, the Durgapur police are now expected to file a detailed chargesheet within the coming weeks. Odisha Chief Minister Majhi has reiterated his demand for “exemplary punishment” to ensure that “such heinous acts never recur.”
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