Police in West Bengal have made three arrests in connection with the alleged gang rape of a medical student in the state's Paschim Bardhaman district. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has sent shockwaves through the region and triggered political confrontations.
Details of the Assault and Arrests
The survivor, a young MBBS student, is currently undergoing treatment and is on strict bedrest. According to her official statement recorded with the police, the assault took place between 8:30 pm and 9:00 pm, approximately 1.5 kilometers from her college campus in Durgapur. The accused allegedly snatched her mobile phone, demanded money, and then dragged her to a secluded spot where the crime was committed.
A senior police officer confirmed the arrests but withheld the identities of the accused, citing the sensitivity of the case. "We have arrested three persons in connection with the case. They are being questioned. This is a very sensitive case and we will give out further details later," the officer stated.
Family's Anguish and Demand for Safety
The victim's father, speaking to news agency ANI, painted a grim picture of his daughter's condition. "She is unable to walk and is on bedrest," he said. He expressed deep regret over his decision to send her to West Bengal for her medical studies. "It was a mistake to send my daughter here to study MBBS. This incident has caused her extreme mental and physical trauma," he lamented.
While acknowledging the support from state authorities, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Director General of Police, the Superintendent of Police, and the Collector, the father has made a desperate plea for relocation. "I have requested the Chief Minister to let us take my daughter away from here to Odisha, to a safer place because here, her safety is at risk," he revealed, highlighting the family's fear and trauma.
Political Fallout and Student Protests
The case has quickly escalated into a political flashpoint. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has formally urged his West Bengal counterpart, Mamata Banerjee, to ensure swift justice in the matter. The incident has provided ammunition for opposition parties to criticize the ruling Trinamool Congress government over law and order.
On the ground, students at the medical college have begun a sit-in protest on campus, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation. College authorities confirmed the timeline, noting that the two students left the campus around 7:58 pm and returned at 9:29 pm. A college note stated, "Later it came to light that while outside the campus, the female student endured an assault, an occurrence she herself claimed and reported."
The victim's father received a call about the horrific incident around 10 pm and rushed to Durgapur, arriving early the next morning. As the investigation proceeds, the call for justice and security grows louder, underscoring the urgent need for action and accountability.
