Durgapur Case: Gang-Rape Ruled Out; Friend Arrested as Sole Perpetrator

West Bengal police arrested 23-year-old classmate Wasif Ali on October 14, 2025, identifying him as the prime suspect in the alleged rape of a medical student near Durgapur college. Initially reported as a gangrape on October 10, the case has shifted, with authorities confirming a single perpetrator based on evidence and statements. Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary highlighted Ali’s arrest, noting his role came under suspicion early on due to inconsistencies in the narrative.

The survivor, a 23-year-old from Jaleswar, Odisha, first claimed five men attacked her after a dinner outing with Ali. Her initial medical account mentioned three individuals, with only one involved, creating discrepancies. Surveillance footage showed them leaving campus at 7:54 p.m., Ali returning alone at 8:42 p.m., and both re-entering at 9:29 p.m., with her appearing calm and unharmed. This lack of visible distress or torn clothing has fueled debates about the initial gangrape allegations.

Ali, from Malda, was detained on October 11 and arrested after a crime scene reconstruction. He faces court on October 15. This is the sixth arrest, following five locals—Sheikh Safiqul, Sheikh Nasiruddin, Apu Bauri (21), Firdous Sheikh (23), and Sheikh Riazuddin (32)—charged under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 70(1) for gangrape and 3(5) for common intention. Their roles are now under review, with police suggesting their involvement may have been overstated based on emerging evidence.

Also Read: Durgapur Case: West Bengal Police Reconstruct Gang-Rape Scene in Medical Student Case

Police recovered the survivor’s phone and Ali’s clothing, details of which are being analyzed for forensic evidence. Choudhary assured ongoing probes into all suspects, including potential coercion or manipulation by Ali. The survivor’s evolving account—detailing a chase into a forest and threats to silence her—contrasts with the footage, prompting a deeper look into her psychological state and possible pressure to alter her story. Community leaders have called for sensitivity in handling the case, given its impact on the student’s mental health.

The investigation has also drawn scrutiny to campus security, with questions about why the pair ventured out late and whether college protocols failed to protect students. Local protests have erupted, demanding stricter safety measures and faster justice. As the case unfolds, it highlights challenges in sexual assault investigations, where initial claims can shift under pressure, leaving the public divided on trust in the police narrative. The survivor’s family, meanwhile, seeks closure, while legal experts predict a lengthy trial to untangle the truth.

Also Read: Durgapur Case: West Bengal Police Arrest Fifth Accused in Medical Student Gang Rape Case