A 23-year-old MBBS student was gang-raped on 10 October 2025 near a medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal. Three people have been arrested in connection with the crime: Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), and Sekh Reajuddin (31). Additionally, the male friend who accompanied the survivor is also under police scrutiny. The complaint filed by the woman’s father formed the basis of the FIR in this case.
Mamata Banerjee’s Statement
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded to the incident by questioning the timing of the student’s leaving the campus.
#WATCH | Kolkata, WB: On the alleged gangrape of an MBBS student in Durgapur, CM Mamata Banerjee says, “This is a private college. Three weeks ago, three girls were raped on the beach in Odisha. What action is being taken by the Odisha government?… The girl was studying in a… pic.twitter.com/ugQrQwNeW7
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2025
College Response on West Bengal Case
The medical department issued a report in response to the case, though specific details were not released publicly. The response adheres to India’s legal framework regarding sexual assault. Hospitals, whether public or private, are mandated under Section 357C of the Code of Criminal Procedure to provide immediate and free medical treatment to survivors of sexual violence. They are also required to report the incident to the police immediately.
Additionally, medical examinations must be conducted within 24 hours of receiving a complaint to ensure proper documentation and timely legal follow-up.
Opposition Slams Mamata Banerjee
Her remarks sparked massive criticism and accusations of victim-shaming. Opposition leaders reacted strongly. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accused the Chief Minister.
এটা কি পশ্চিমবঙ্গ সরকার নাকি তালিবানি শাসন?
মুখ্যমন্ত্রী বলছেন মেয়েদের বেশি রাতে বাইরে যাওয়া উচিত নয়, মুখ্যমন্ত্রী কি মেয়েদের গৃহবন্দী করে রাখতে চাইছেন? pic.twitter.com/zeAndhxzU1
— Agnimitra Paul BJP (@paulagnimitra1) October 12, 2025
CPM state secretary Mohammed Salim criticised Banerjee’s approach, stating that the government should take responsibility for women’s safety instead of blaming them.
#WATCH | East Bardhaman, West Bengal: On CM Mamata Banerjee’s statement on Durgapur rape case, CPM State Secretary, Mohammad Salim says, “…Is there a Taliban rule in West Bengal? Women can’t walk freely at night, they can’t go out for a job…WB police completely botched up the… pic.twitter.com/4kQxRQ3kSA
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2025
The incident has shocked the local community and reignited concerns about student safety in private educational institutions. Questions are being raised about campus security and the responsibilities of private colleges to protect their students, especially in areas surrounded by forests or isolated locations at night.
