A 23-year-old classmate of a second-year MBBS student who alleged being gangraped near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, on October 10 was arrested by police, bringing the total accused to six.
Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary told media that only one of the initially arrested five accused committed physical sexual assault, while the role of others, including the friend, remains under investigation amidst conflicting statements.
The survivor, from Odisha, had stepped out for dinner with the friend before the assault and is currently stable in hospital. Ongoing forensic tests and a crime scene reconstruction are aiding investigations.
Investigation and Arrest Details
The victim’s father had named the friend in his police complaint, alleging he misled her to a vacant forested area near the IQ City Medical College campus in Paschim Bardhaman district. The friend was interrogated multiple times and taken to the crime scene during investigation before his arrest.
Police seized clothes from all accused for forensic analysis and recovered the victim’s mobile phone, which was snatched at the time of the crime. The accused have been booked under sections related to gangrape and criminal conspiracy. Efforts continue to corroborate statements, forensic evidence, and CCTV footage in reconstructing the facts.
Durgapur Rape Case Background
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and triggered official scrutiny, including a video-recorded crime scene reconstruction with all accused and the friend present.
The police commissioner emphasized the importance of evidence-based investigation, stating that involvement beyond the primary attacker is yet to be determined.
Searches at accused persons’ residences have yielded potential evidence to assist in the inquiry. The survivor’s medical and legal statements have been recorded, and fellow students are being questioned to gather additional information to ensure justice.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This deeply troubling case highlights the importance of careful, sensitive investigations that respect survivors’ dignity while seeking the truth. The Logical Indian calls for systemic reforms to enhance safety on campuses and foster trust in law enforcement processes.
Compassionate support for survivors, transparent accountability for offenders, and community-driven vigilance are essential to prevent such crimes.
