On the night of October 10–11, 2025, a 23-year-old second-year MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near her private medical college campus in Durgapur, West Bengal. The survivor, who had stepped out for dinner with a male classmate, was reportedly attacked by four to five unidentified men after leaving the campus. Following the assault, she was hospitalized and is currently in stable condition, though deeply traumatized.
The survivor’s father has expressed grave concerns about her safety in West Bengal, describing sending her to study there as a mistake. He has requested her transfer to a medical institution in Bhubaneswar to ensure her well-being.
A Pattern of Campus Violence
This incident is the latest in a series of sexual assaults on students in West Bengal. In August 2024, a postgraduate trainee doctor was raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. The case led to widespread protests and a CBI investigation. Wikipedia
Earlier in 2025, a female student at IIM Calcutta accused a male student of rape within the boys’ hostel. The accused was granted bail, and the case remains under investigation.
These incidents highlight a disturbing trend of sexual violence within educational institutions in the state.
Investigations and Arrests
In the Durgapur case, the police have arrested three individuals from Bijra village in connection with the assault. A fourth suspect is currently under detention. The authorities are conducting a massive search operation, including drone surveillance, to apprehend the remaining accused.
The Odisha government has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the investigation, noting that the police have gathered strong evidence and are preparing to file a charge sheet in a fast-track court.
Institutional Accountability
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident, emphasizing that private colleges must ensure the safety of their students by not allowing them to go out at night. She questioned why the student was permitted to leave the campus at 12:30 a.m. and assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.
However, her remarks have sparked debate. Critics argue that focusing on the victim’s actions detracts from the need for systemic reforms to prevent such incidents.
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Following the Incident…The survivor’s father has appealed to the Chief Minister of Odisha. He requested the facilitation of his daughter’s transfer to a medical institution in Bhubaneswar. He cited safety concerns. He has also questioned the adequacy of the state’s response to such incidents.
The family of the victim from the R.G. Kar case has expressed solidarity with the Durgapur survivor, highlighting the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the safety of students.
The Durgapur incident underscores the urgent need for reforms to protect students from sexual violence. Investigations are currently underway. It is imperative that educational institutions, law enforcement, and policymakers work together. They must collaborate to create a safer environment for all students. The voices of the survivors and their families must be heard. Their calls for justice must be answered swiftly and decisively.
The Durgapur case is not just another news story. It is a national disgrace, a symptom of an apathetic state and failing institutions. Three major campus assaults in 15 months are proof that West Bengal’s colleges are unsafe for women.
We must demand justice — not only for the Durgapur survivor. We must also fight for every woman who steps into a college. She expects to learn and grow, not to fight for her life.
If action is not taken now, the next victim will be on your campus, in your city, maybe even someone you know.
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