Gang Rape Incident Sparks Outrage in West Bengal
A gang rape incident involving a student from a private medical college in Durgapur has ignited significant uproar across West Bengal. The political ramifications of this case have led to intense scrutiny of the government, with five individuals already apprehended in connection with the crime. Political leaders are embroiled in controversy over their statements regarding the incident.
Senior Trinamool Congress MP Sougata Roy commented on the alleged gang rape, stating that police cannot be present everywhere, urging women to exercise caution. This follows West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s advice to female students to avoid going out late at night, which has drawn criticism.
Details of the Incident and Arrests
On Monday, police arrested two additional suspects in the case involving a 23-year-old medical student from Durgapur, bringing the total number of arrests to five. This information was confirmed by law enforcement officials amid rising political tensions, with opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accusing the authorities of attempting to destroy evidence related to the crime.
Adhikari further claimed that the arrests were merely a facade. Abhishek Gupta, Deputy Commissioner of Police for the Asansol-Durgapur area, said, ‘Two more arrests have been made. All five accused have been detained based on the complaint filed by the student.
Circumstances Surrounding the Assault
The victim, a second-year student from Balasore, Odisha, was allegedly assaulted on Friday night while dining with a friend outside the college campus. According to police sources, the student initially provided a brief written statement to college officials, indicating that they were ambushed by a group of individuals while walking.
This statement was later forwarded to the police, leading to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and the commencement of an investigation. Authorities determined that the assault occurred between 8:00 PM and 8:45 PM on Friday. Investigators revealed that three individuals initially surrounded the student, and when she attempted to call for help, they seized her phone. Subsequently, two more individuals joined, and together they allegedly assaulted her.
Allegations of Evidence Tampering
The assailants reportedly offered the student 5,000 rupees to leave quietly. The male friend who was with her is currently in police custody for questioning. Investigators are scrutinizing his actions that night, as there are doubts regarding why he did not alert other students or seek help from the college after fleeing the scene.
The three previously arrested suspects were presented in court on Sunday and remanded to police custody for ten days. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has promised strict action against those involved. Additionally, the Chairperson of the Odisha State Women’s Commission, Suvana Mohanty, is traveling to West Bengal to meet with the victim and her family.
Political Reactions and Accusations
Suvendu Adhikari criticized the Mamata Banerjee administration, claiming that a BJP delegation was also prevented from meeting with medical professionals regarding the case. He stated that the victim’s parents reported that the hospital had not provided them with their daughter’s medical report and that they were denied entry into the facility.
Adhikari asserted, ‘These arrests are merely for show. The accused will likely be released on bail in 15-20 days. Once they are out of sight and the public forgets the crime, it will be easier for the police to act.’ He also alleged that one of the suspects, Sheikh Nasiruddin, is connected to the ruling Trinamool Congress, as his father holds a position within the party.
Official Responses to the Allegations
In response to these claims, Debangshu Bhattacharya, in charge of the TMC IT cell, stated that such allegations do not implicate the party. He remarked, ‘Even if we accept that a relative of the accused is associated with the TMC, so what? Our party has a significant support base in Bengal. The reality is that if someone is accused of a crime, they will be arrested, regardless of their political affiliation.’
Bhattacharya further criticized the BJP, suggesting that if this incident had occurred in a BJP-ruled state like Uttar Pradesh, the accused would not only have escaped arrest but might have been honored. with garlands for their actions.
When questioned about why the Chief Minister has not yet met with the victim, party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh explained that Banerjee is currently overseeing relief efforts for flood victims in North Bengal. He emphasized that the priority is to apprehend the culprits and ensure swift justice.
