West Bengal: A second-year MBBS student was allegedly dragged and raped on the premises of a private medical college near Shobhapur in Durgapur, West Bengal, on Friday evening, prompting condemnation and renewed concerns about women’s safety in the state.
Incident Details
The survivor, originally from Jaleswar in Odisha, reportedly left the campus around 8:30 PM with a male friend. Near the campus gate, a man allegedly dragged her to a secluded area behind the hospital and assaulted her, according to sources. Police rushed to the scene and admitted the student for medical examination.
Father’s Account
The victim’s father told reporters he was informed by his daughter’s friend. “When I reached there, my daughter was in a serious condition, and there was no response from the hospital administration,” he stated.
He alleged his daughter had gone outside to eat phuchka after being called by Wasif Ali, her boyfriend. “When she reached the campus gate, around four to five persons were there. One of them raped her, took her mobile phone, and demanded Rs 3,000 to return it. The boy abandoned her and fled,” he said.
“The security arrangements are not sufficient. Such a serious incident occurred, but no action has been taken. There is no system here, no response,” he added, demanding justice and improved campus security.
Political Reactions
The West Bengal Doctors’ Front condemned the incident as a “chilling reminder” of campus safety failures, calling for Chief Justice of India intervention and judicial inquiry.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya attacked the Mamata Banerjee government: “This repeated failure of law and order exposes a disturbing pattern under Mamata Banerjee’s administration. West Bengal is not safe for women. Until the TMC government is held accountable, women across the state will continue to live in fear.”
West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja responded: “Is there any place for politics here? The police have started an investigation into the matter,” while referencing crimes in other states.
Context of Violence
The incident follows several high-profile cases in West Bengal, including the July alleged gangrape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College and the August 2024 rape-murder of a postgraduate trainee at RG Kar Medical College, which triggered nationwide healthcare personnel protests.
Police are examining multiple angles while investigating the case, though no official statement has been issued.
