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As a 23-year-old medical student from Odisha alleges assault in Durgapur, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee’s remarks spark controversy. Are victims being blamed while state safety mechanisms fail? Families, opposition, and rights groups demand answers.
Odisha State Commission for Women plans counselling and support for survivor.
Durgapur: On Monday, West Bengal Police arrested another suspect in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, officials confirmed. This latest arrest increases the total number of people detained in the case to five. Earlier, authorities had apprehended the fourth accused, while three others had been taken into custody previously and were remanded by a local court for 10 days on Sunday.
Durgapur witnessed a shocking incident when a 23-year-old second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly sexually assaulted on Friday evening near her college. The survivor, who attends Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Sciences, reported that she and a male classmate were intercepted near the campus gate, dragged to a secluded area, and sexually assaulted. She was later found in a semi-conscious state and rushed to a hospital, where she is now reported to be stable.
Authorities have registered a case, detained several suspects for questioning, and formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Forensic experts are collecting evidence at the crime scene, and CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined.
‘Out At 12:30 AM’: BJP accuses Mamata of victim-shaming in Durgapur case; Full story here
The survivor’s father has strongly countered West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s claim that the student and her friend were outside the campus after midnight. He clarified that the assault occurred between 8 pm and 9 pm. “Despite being a woman herself, the CM made an insensitive remark suggesting women should not go out at night,” he said.
The father emphasised that his daughter followed all safety norms and should not be held responsible for the crime. He and the family are urging authorities to ensure swift justice and adequate protection for students.
Mamata Banerjee clarifies Durgapur case remark after backlash, says statement was ‘Distorted’
Addressing the media, Mamata Banerjee said, “What happened in Durgapur is unfortunate. The police are investigating, and the culprits will be punished. But I would also tell girls not to go outside at night. Anything can happen in such situations.” She also remarked that the incident took place at a private medical college, implying responsibility on the institution for security lapses.
Her comments have drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and women’s rights activists, who labelled them as victim-blaming. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, “Instead of ensuring women’s safety, the Chief Minister is holding the victim responsible.” Congress and other parties echoed the call for an apology.
Medical student assault case shocks Durgapur.
Opposition leaders and women’s rights groups have called for stringent action and greater accountability. They argue that such political statements discourage survivors from reporting crimes. The survivor’s father has reiterated his demand for justice and rejected the narrative of blaming victims for their assault.
A team from Odisha, including Additional Superintendent of Police Niranjan Behera and Additional District Magistrate Hemanta Singh, visited West Bengal to monitor the investigation. They expressed satisfaction with police actions, noting that arrests were made within 36 hours and that the survivor’s condition is stable. The Odisha State Commission for Women plans to provide counselling and support to the medical student in Durgapur.
The Durgapur case comes amid rising concerns about sexual violence in West Bengal. Recent months have seen several high-profile rape cases, intensifying public debate over women’s safety, law enforcement efficiency, and institutional accountability.
Experts emphasise that incidents in private institutions highlight systemic gaps in security measures and call for comprehensive safety protocols for students. Civil society groups are pressing for increased surveillance, better nighttime transportation, and proactive community policing to prevent such crimes.
West Bengal Police confirmed the arrest of 5 suspects. Durgapur Commissionerate Deputy Commissioner (East) Abhishek Gupta said forensic teams and CCTV analyses are being used to trace the sequence of events and identify all culprits. Officials have assured that all necessary steps are being taken in this sensitive case.
The investigation is closely watched by both state and central authorities, while families and civil society continue to press for justice, accountability, and stronger protections for women.
