Post by : Rameen Ariff

A second-year MBBS student from Jaleswar, Odisha, studying at IQ City Medical College in Durgapur, West Bengal, was reportedly gang-raped near the college on Friday night. According to officials, the 23-year-old student had gone out with a male friend when a group of men intercepted them near the college gate around 8:30 pm. The attackers took the woman to a nearby wooded area, where the assault occurred.

The student’s father alleged that her friend misled her and brought her to a vacant location under false pretenses. The attackers also snatched her mobile phone and took Rs 5,000. The friend reportedly fled the scene, and the family suspects he may have been involved in the crime.

The student is currently receiving treatment in a Durgapur hospital, and her condition is said to be critical. Police have begun questioning multiple individuals, including her friend, and have recorded the survivor’s statement as part of the ongoing investigation.

West Bengal’s Minister for Women and Child Development, Shashi Panja, confirmed that the student is receiving medical care and psychological counselling. She emphasized that the parents have faith in the police investigation and urged that such cases should not be politicized. Panja also criticized political parties for viewing these incidents through a political lens.

The state health department has requested a report from IQ City Medical College, while a team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is on its way to Durgapur to meet the survivor and her family. NCW member Archana Majumdar highlighted concerns about rising crimes against women in West Bengal and urged the Chief Minister to take proactive measures to curb such incidents.

This case adds to growing concerns over the safety of women in the state. Earlier incidents include the gang-rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College in July and the rape and murder of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata last August. In both cases, arrests were made, including individuals with alleged political connections.

The authorities have vowed a thorough investigation, and the SIT and police teams are actively following leads to ensure justice for the survivor.

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