A second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped by unidentified men near her private college in Durgapur, West Bengal, on Friday night, prompting widespread outrage and a probe by police and the National Commission for Women (NCW).
The student, who hails from Jaleswar in Odisha, had stepped out of her college campus for dinner with a friend when the assault reportedly took place. She is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Her parents, who rushed to Durgapur after being informed by their daughter’s friends, lodged a complaint with the police on Saturday morning. “We came here this morning and lodged a complaint with the police. I have heard that the college performed well academically, and this is why we sent our daughter to study medicine here,” the student’s father told reporters.
The victim’s mother alleged that her daughter was “gang-raped” around 10 pm when she went out for dinner. “She was taken away by the men and assaulted. We just want justice for her,” she said.
According to the preliminary police investigation, the student had gone out with her friend around 8.30 pm. “The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there. The men snatched her phone and took her to a jungle outside the campus, where they raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident,” a police officer said.
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The accused also allegedly demanded money from the student in exchange for returning her mobile phone, the officer added.
“The statement of the student has been recorded. We spoke to the victim’s friend last night. We are trying to find out some CCTV footage. A forensic team will visit the spot to collect evidence,” the officer said.
The incident has triggered shock across the state, with women’s rights groups demanding immediate action against the culprits. A team from the NCW is on its way to Durgapur to meet the victim and her family.
“Crime against women is on the rise in Bengal. The police are not taking any proactive steps in such cases. This is quite unfortunate. I will request the chief minister to come forward and work in tandem to arrest the rise of such crimes,” NCW member Archana Majumdar said.
Sources in the state health department confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated. “We have sought a quick report from the college authorities in this connection. Accordingly, we will take steps,” a senior official said.
The college administration has refrained from issuing a detailed statement but said it was cooperating with the police. Officials said counselling support would be extended to the victim and her peers.
Local police teams have begun examining footage from nearby surveillance cameras and questioning potential witnesses. The jungle area outside the campus, where the assault is believed to have occurred, has been cordoned off for forensic examination.
The case has reignited concerns over the safety of students, particularly women, in educational institutions and surrounding areas in smaller towns. Activists have criticised the lack of proper lighting and patrolling near college campuses, calling for stronger security measures and accountability from authorities.
Several student unions in the region have demanded swift justice, calling for the arrest of those responsible and urging the state government to ensure that safety mechanisms are strengthened around educational campuses.
Meanwhile, the victim continues to receive medical treatment, and her condition is said to be stable. Police have formed multiple teams to trace the suspects.
The assault, taking place in one of West Bengal’s key educational hubs, has cast a grim shadow over Durgapur’s academic community, forcing both the authorities and law enforcement agencies to confront questions of campus security and systemic failure to protect students from such violence.
If you or someone you know has faced sexual assault or harassment, please reach out for help. You are not alone.
Helpline Numbers for Support in West Bengal:
Women Helpline (24x7): 1091
National Women Helpline: 181
Kolkata Police Women’s Helpline: (033) 2214 3024 / 2214 1310
West Bengal Commission for Women: (033) 2321 4055
Childline (for minors): 1098
Trained counsellors and officials are available to offer confidential support, guidance, and protection. Reaching out is a step towards safety and healing.
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