The investigation into the October 10 gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur has taken a disturbing turn, with the survivor alleging that her classmate, who had accompanied her that evening, molested her before fleeing as the attack unfolded.
According to the police complaint filed by the 23-year-old MBBS student, her classmate Wasef Ali groped her and escaped while she was struggling to defend herself against the assailants. She had stepped out of the medical college campus with him to have dinner when the horrific assault took place.
The incident has shocked Durgapur and sparked widespread outrage in medical circles across West Bengal, demanding swift justice for the victim.
Two accused seek to confess before court
In a fresh development, two of the six accused, Sk Riyazuddin and Sk Safiq, have filed a plea before a local court seeking permission to confess their involvement in the crime. Both men are currently in custody.
Police said if the court grants permission, the two could be treated as approvers during the trial, a move that could significantly strengthen the prosecution’s case.
Riyazuddin, a former security guard at the medical college, and Safiq, a factory worker, were sent to judicial custody for two days to allow them time to reconsider their decision before the court issues its order on October 21.
Sequence of events: Survivor’s account
The survivor, in her detailed statement before the police and a magistrate, described the harrowing sequence of events. She said that after her classmate molested her and fled, three men surrounded and overpowered her.
“One of the men raped me while the other two stood nearby and watched,” the survivor told investigators.
Later, Riyazuddin and Safiq, who arrived at the scene, did not help her. Instead, according to her testimony, they called the attackers back and demanded Rs 3,000 from the terrified student. When she refused, they forcibly took ₹200 and her mobile phone before leaving her in a semi-conscious state.
The accused, identified as Sk Riyazuddin, Sk Safiq, Nasiruddin Sk, Apu Bauri, Firdaus Sk, and Wasef Ali, are all in custody. Police have filed charges of gang rape, criminal intimidation, extortion, and other offences under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Legal proceedings and defence submissions
Lawyer Partha Ghosh, who represents the survivor, said that an urgent plea has been filed for a Test Identification Parade (TIP) to be conducted without delay. “We have appealed to the court to conduct the TIP quickly so that the survivor can identify the culprits,” Ghosh said.
The police have submitted preliminary evidence, including medical examination reports and digital evidence from CCTV footage near the site of the crime. The court has also asked for updates on the investigation and the forensic reports.
Prosecution’s case and penalties
Under Indian law, gang rape carries a maximum punishment of 20 years in jail, while extortion under Section 384 of the IPC can result in imprisonment of up to seven years.
Investigators are now examining whether the accused had premeditated the attack and whether Wasef Ali’s actions constituted active abetment of the crime. The survivor’s testimony, police said, is central to establishing the sequence and motive behind the assault.
A senior police official involved in the investigation said, “The student’s statement and the accused’s confession plea are crucial developments. We will present all forensic and digital evidence before the court in the next hearing.”
Campus in shock, authorities under pressure
The incident has left students and faculty members of Durgapur Medical College shaken. Several student bodies have staged silent protests demanding justice and tighter security measures around the campus.
Women’s rights groups have also called on the West Bengal government to ensure that the trial is expedited under a fast-track court and that the survivor receives adequate protection.
Next hearing on October 21
The court will review the confession plea of Riyazuddin and Safiq on October 21, after giving them a cooling-off period to confirm their intent. If accepted, they will become key witnesses for the prosecution under Section 306 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Meanwhile, police continue to interrogate the remaining accused and verify digital and forensic evidence collected from the site.
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