Durgapur Rape Survivor’s Friend Who ‘Abandoned Her And Fled’ Under Scanner: Women’s Body

Police officers survey the area of the crime where a medic was allegedly gangraped by unidentified men. (IMAGE: SOURCED)

A friend of the medical student from Odisha, who was allegedly gang-raped in West Bengal’s Durgapur, is also under scanner, said the National Commission of Women (NCW). The 23-year-old victim, who hails from Odisha, was out with a friend when some men approached them. They forcibly took the woman to a secluded area and raped her, while her friend fled the scene.

“The survivor’s friend is also under the scanner. He had insisted that she go out with him. He took her out of the college premises. When the survivor was cornered by the accused, he fled the scene. Police must look into this matter,” said NCW member Archana Majumdar on Friday.

The police have so far arrested three accused in connection with the case. All accused were taken to a custody court on Sunday, as the investigation into the case continues.

Speaking to reporters, Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate DCP Abhishek Gupta said, “Three persons have been arrested so far. They have been forwarded to the Court today. Further investigation is ongoing, and everything is going according to the protocol. All investigation is taking place…”

‘Abandoned Her And Fled’: Victim’s Father

The father of the victim also has questioned the security arrangements at the hostel, saying that it was not sufficient. He also said her friend, whom she went out with, “abandoned her and fled” as soon as the accused arrived.

“My daughter was studying here. Yesterday, one of her classmates took her out on the pretext of getting something to eat, but when two or three other men arrived, he abandoned her and fled. They raped her… This incident occurred between 8:00 and 9:00 PM,” he said.

“The hostel was far away, and she had come here to eat. The security arrangements are not sufficient… Such a serious incident occurred, but no action has been taken. There is no system here, no response…” the student’s father told reporters,” added the man.

What Did CM Mamata Banerjee Say?

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday sparked a row after she said “girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night”.

“She was studying in a private medical college. Whose responsibility is it? How did she come out at 12.30 at night? The girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night. They have to protect themselves also. There is a forest area. Police are searching all the people,” the Bengal Chief Minister said.

What’s The Case?

A 23-year-old second-year medical student was allegedly gang-raped while she stepped out to get something to eat in Durgapur. Three accused, identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), Sekh Reajuddin (31), and Sheikh Sofiqul, have been arrested in the case, and a further investigation into the matter is underway.