"Unfortunate to see such incidents happening there again and again": Union Minister Annpurna Devi on Durgapur gangrape
Oct 12, 2025

Dumka (Jharkhand) [India], October 12 : Union Women and Child Development Minister Annpurna Devi condemned the alleged gangrape of an Odia medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal, on Sunday.
A second-year student of a private medical college was allegedly gangraped in Durgapur. The survivor is from Jaleswar, Odisha.
The Union Minister stated that they will take action after the team of the National Women's Commission submits its report.
She further urged the West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, to take action against the perpetrators.
Speaking to ANI, Annpurna Devi said, "NCW has gone there and has been gathering information about the incident. We want action to be taken regarding what happened... Despite having a woman chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, in West Bengal, it is unfortunate to see such incidents happening there again and again. She should take strict action on this. Additionally, checking security arrangements in the college is necessary, specifically verifying whether the CCTV cameras are functioning properly... We will take further action after the NCW team, which has gone there, submits its report."
Earlier today, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made a shocking statement as she advised colleges not to allow girls to go outside at night after the alleged gangrape of a medical student in Durgapur.
"I'm shocked to see the incident, but private medical colleges also should take care of their students, and especially girls. The girls should not be allowed to go outside (college) at night. They have to protect themselves also. There is a forest area. Police are searching all the people," Mamata Banerjee said.
Mamata Banerjee condemned the incident and assured that strong action would be taken against the perpetrators.
"Nobody will be excused. Whoever is guilty will be punished strictly. Three people have already been arrested. We will take stringent action... When it happens in other states, it is also condemnable," she said.
Meanwhile, three accused have been arrested in the alleged gangrape case of a medical student in West Bengal's Durgapur. They were presented before the court.
Speaking to reporters, Asansol Durgapur Police Commissionerate DCP Abhishek Gupta said, "Three persons have been arrested so far. They have been forwarded to the Court today. Further investigation is ongoing, and everything is going according to the protocol. All investigation is taking place..."
According to the student's father, she stepped out with a classmate to get something to eat. However, two or three other men arrived and allegedly raped her. The classmate, he said then "abandoned her and fled."
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognisance of the distressing incident reported in Durgapur, West Bengal.