Mamata Banerjee Condemns Durgapur Medical Student Gang-Rape, Urges Caution and Orders Strict Police Action

Kolkata, Oct 2025 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday condemned the gang-rape of a second-year medical student from Odisha in Durgapur, calling it a “heinous and shameful act.” She reaffirmed her government’s zero-tolerance policy against crimes against women while urging students, especially those living in hostels, to exercise caution when venturing out late at night.

Speaking to reporters outside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, the Chief Minister said, “In Bengal, we have a zero-tolerance policy against such crimes. Students from other states come here to study, and we want them to feel safe. But I would request everyone not to go out late at night because the police cannot monitor every individual’s movement. The private medical college also has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its students.”

Banerjee added that she had directed the police to take the strictest possible action against those responsible for the assault. “If anyone goes out at 12.30 a.m. and something unfortunate happens, we condemn it in the strongest terms. Everyone is free to move around, but one must also remain vigilant. I have instructed the police to act firmly—no one involved will be spared,” she said.

The incident took place on Friday night when the 22-year-old student, a resident of Jaleswar, Odisha, stepped out with a male friend for dinner. According to police, a group of men on motorcycles began following and harassing the duo, making lewd comments. The men allegedly chased away the friend, dragged the student to a nearby wooded area, and gang-raped her. They also reportedly snatched her mobile phone and fled.

The friend later returned with fellow students and found the victim lying injured on the ground. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she is currently undergoing treatment.

Following a complaint filed by the college administration, the Durgapur New Township Police launched an investigation and made swift arrests.

Police have identified the arrested suspects as Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Sheikh. A search is underway for two additional suspects believed to be involved in the assault. Authorities have also detained and questioned the victim’s male companion to ascertain further details about the sequence of events.

The West Bengal Health Department has sought a detailed report from the private medical college on the incident and the safety measures in place for its students. In an official statement, the college expressed solidarity with the survivor, saying it would extend full cooperation to law enforcement agencies and ensure that justice is delivered.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case and has asked the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) to submit an action taken report within five days.

The brutal assault has sparked widespread outrage across the state, reigniting concerns about women’s safety and the adequacy of campus security. Opposition leaders and student groups have also called for harsher penalties for sexual offenders and enhanced security protocols at educational institutions.