13 October,2025 05:20 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondent
The three accused arrested earlier were remanded in 10-day police custody by the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Court on Sunday. Representational pic
Two more arrests were made on Monday in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 23-year-old medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, bringing the total number of accused in custody to five, the police said.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Abhisekh Gupta of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, told PTI, "Two more arrests have been made. With these, all five accused have been taken into custody based on the complaint filed by the survivor."
A second-year student of a private medical college in Durgapur, originally from Jaleswar in Odisha's Balasore district, was allegedly attacked on the night of October 10 while outside the campus with a male friend for dinner.
According to police sources, the student initially submitted a brief written statement to the college, saying she and her friend were suddenly surrounded by a group of men who assaulted her. The statement was forwarded to police, following which a first information report (FIR) was lodged, and an investigation initiated.
The incident reportedly occurred between 8 pm and 8.45 pm.
Investigators said three men initially surrounded the student and snatched her phone when she tried to call for help. Two more men later joined them, and all five allegedly raped her, PTI reported.
Police added that the accused also offered her Rs 5,000 to leave quietly.
The survivor's male friend, who was with her, is currently detained for questioning, as his conduct on the night has raised suspicion.
According to the student's father, he fled the scene when the assault began, and police are examining why he did not alert others or seek help from the college.
The three accused arrested earlier were remanded in 10-day police custody by the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Court on Sunday. Searches are ongoing for anyone else who may have been involved or has knowledge of the crime, PTI reported.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the home portfolio, promised strict action in the case, and said, "None of the accused will be spared."
She also questioned security arrangements at private medical colleges.
Odisha State Commission for Women Chairperson Sovana Mohanty has left for West Bengal to meet the student, her parents, and local police. An Odisha government delegation had visited Durgapur on Sunday but was allegedly not allowed to meet the survivor at the hospital.
The medical student is currently undergoing treatment and remains under observation.
(With PTI inputs)
