October 13, 2025
NEW DELHI – West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday condemned the alleged gang rape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, describing the incident as “shocking” and reiterating that her government maintains zero tolerance for such crimes.
The survivor, a student from Odisha’s Jaleswar, was reportedly attacked by several men outside the private medical college campus on Friday night while out for dinner with a friend. She is currently receiving treatment at the hospital and has recorded her statement with the police. Three of the suspects have been arrested while the search for other accused is on.
Mamata Banerjee urged private colleges to strengthen security measures on and around campuses. Meanwhile, the chief minister drew widespread criticism for her controversial remarks on women’s safety, stating, “A girl should not be allowed to go out at night,” and arguing that the college authorities should have ensured the student’s safety rather than blaming the government.
The incident has triggered a strong political backlash. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Mamata Banerjee’s administration of fostering a climate of lawlessness and making West Bengal unsafe for women. Union minister Sukanta Majumdar described the state as a “safe haven for rapists and criminals”, pointing to repeated high-profile assaults, including the recent gang rape and the previous murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College.
BJP leader Amit Malviya highlighted the public outrage in Durgapur, sharing footage of protests demanding swift justice. He criticised the state government’s handling of law and order, calling for a transparent and impartial investigation to ensure the perpetrators are punished. Malviya also warned that until accountability is enforced, women across West Bengal would continue to face insecurity and fear, urging that Mamata Banerjee should be held responsible in the 2026 elections.
Meanwhile, the father of the 23-year-old MBBS has expressed his intent to take his daughter back to Odisha due to safety concerns. “My daughter is in pain and bedridden; she can’t even walk right now. I am deeply worried about her safety here. She could be harmed again at any moment. That’s why we want to take her back to Odisha. Trust has been lost. She will continue her education there,” he told news agency ANI.
The survivor is a second-year MBBS student at a private medical college in Durgapur.