West Bengal Gangrape: Four Arrested in Durgapur; Opposition Slams Mamata Over Her Remark on Women’s Safety

On Friday night, a 23-year-old woman from Jaleshwar in Odisha, a second-year MBBS student, was out with a friend when an unknown man approached them and forcibly took the woman to a secluded area, where he allegedly raped her.

The Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate confirmed that the fourth accused in the Durgapur gangrape case has been arrested. Earlier on Sunday, the police had arrested three individuals in connection with the crime, and they were remanded to 10 days of police custody by a local court.

The arrested accused have been identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), and Sekh Reajuddin (31). Police sources said the male friend accompanying the survivor is also under scrutiny.

Victim’s Father Speaks on West Bengal’s Safety

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Manjhi has reached out to the woman’s father. “The Odisha Chief Minister has spoken to me. The administration is helping us,” he said, adding that he has also requested his daughter’s transfer to a medical college in Odisha.

Speaking to news agency ANI, he said, “My daughter is in pain. She can’t walk right now. She is bedridden. I am concerned about her safety here. They could kill her at any moment. That’s why we want to take her back to Odisha. Trust has been lost. We don’t want her to stay in Bengal. She will continue her studies in Odisha.”

Odisha Chief Minister on the Rape Horror

Odisha Chief Minister Manjhi condemned the incident, calling it “heinous and heartbreaking.”
“I strongly urge the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to take exemplary action against the accused as per the law. I have instructed senior officials to contact the West Bengal government and take necessary steps. The Odisha government will provide all possible assistance to the victim’s family,” he said.

Mamata Banerjee on Women’s Safety in the State

On Sunday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s remarks on women’s safety sparked fresh controversy and outrage on social media. She advised girl students to stay in hostels and avoid going out at night.

Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said, “Especially girl children at night-time… they should not be allowed to come outside. They have to protect themselves also. If someone goes out at 12:30 a.m., anyone can go anywhere, that is their right, but there is a system for those who stay in hostels.”

“In Bengal, we have zero tolerance. I appeal to boys and girls who come to study here not to venture out at night. This is because the police are not aware of who is coming out when,” she added.