Three Arrested, Two Still On Run in MBBS Student Rape Near Durgapur Hospital
Medical student’s gang-rape near Durgapur hospital sparks outrage.
A horrific gang-rape of a second-year MBBS student from Odisha near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, has led to the arrest of three suspects, with two others still at large as of October 12, 2025. The attack, occurring late on October 10 behind a hospital in Shobhapur, 170 km from Kolkata, has drawn chilling comparisons to the 2024 RG Kar Medical College rape-murder, fueling statewide fury and protests.
The 20-year-old survivor, a Jaleswar native, had stepped out of IQ City Medical College around 8:30 p.m. with a male friend for their second-year exams. Near the campus gate, assailants allegedly dragged her to a secluded spot, raped her, and stole her phone and cash. She reported the assault upon returning to her hostel and is now stable under medical and psychological care in a hospital.
Police acted swiftly, detaining the accompanying friend, college staff, and others for questioning while scouring CCTV footage for clues. The hospital spokesperson, Sudarshana Gangulee, confirmed the students left voluntarily at 7:58 p.m., with the assault occurring off-campus. “We’re prioritizing her well-being and fully cooperating with authorities,” Gangulee said, noting no initial complaint was lodged until the survivor’s report.
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Campus protests erupted Saturday, with students surrounding the principal over lax security. The West Bengal Doctors’ Front condemned the incident as a stark reminder of women’s vulnerability in educational spaces, demanding a judicial probe and Chief Justice intervention. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, expressing anguish, directed officials to coordinate with West Bengal for support and urged Mamata Banerjee for “exemplary action” against the culprits.
The BJP seized the moment to slam the TMC government, with leader Amit Malviya declaring, “West Bengal is unsafe for women; Mamata must go in 2026.” TMC’s Shashi Panja hit back, accusing BJP of exploiting the tragedy while ignoring crimes in Odisha and Manipur. “The police are investigating—where’s the politics here?” she retorted. Samajwadi Party’s Dimple Yadav pointed to rising crimes in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, calling for accountability across states.
As the manhunt intensifies and political barbs fly, the incident lays bare West Bengal’s ongoing struggle with women’s safety, pressing authorities for justice and systemic reforms to protect students and restore trust.
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