Durgapur Gang-Rape: Girls shouldn’t be allowed to go out at night, Urges CM Mamata Banerjee

October 12, 2025

Kolkata, West Bengal: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday reacted to the gang-rape of a medical student in Durgapur, urging girls to exercise caution and avoid going out at night, while assuring strict action against the perpetrators.

Speaking outside Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, CM Banerjee stated, “In Bengal, we have a zero-tolerance policy against such crimes… I have asked the police to take stringent action. Nobody will be spared.”

She emphasized that while students are free to move, hostel residents and outsiders must exercise extra caution. She also called on the private medical college to ensure student safety.

Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing

On Sunday, three accused—Sheikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri, and Firdos Seikh—were arrested in connection with the gang-rape of a second-year medical student from Odisha outside a private medical college in Durgapur. Police are searching for two additional suspects.

According to authorities, the victim had stepped out for dinner with a male friend when a group of men on motorcycles began stalking them, making lewd comments, and eventually dragged her to a forested area behind the campus, where she was gang-raped. The perpetrators also snatched and discarded her mobile phone.

The male friend returned with others to find the student injured; she was admitted to a local hospital. Police confirmed she is a resident of Jaleswar, Odisha.

College and NCW Response

The private medical college issued a statement pledging full cooperation with the investigation and support for the student. Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has sought a report from the West Bengal DGP within five days on action taken in the case.