Durgapur Gang Rape Sparks Outrage as Mamata Banerjee Questions Survivor’s Late-Night Movement
Durgapur, West Bengal – October 12, 2025: A second-year MBBS student from Odisha was allegedly gang-raped near a forested area close to Durgapur Medical College late Friday night, triggering widespread outrage across states.
While the West Bengal Police have arrested three suspects and continue to search for two others, public anger intensified after Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee made remarks questioning the survivor’s presence outside the campus at 12:30 AM.
Speaking at a press briefing, Banerjee said, “She was studying in a private medical college… How did she come out in the night at 12:30? It happened, as far as I know, in the forest area… investigation is on.” She further emphasised that private institutions must take responsibility for student safety and suggested that female students should not be allowed to step out late at night.
Her comments drew sharp criticism from activists, opposition leaders, and citizens who labelled the statement as victim-blaming and insensitive.
Many pointed out that the timeline of the incident is disputed, with the survivor’s parents claiming they were informed around 9:30 PM, suggesting the attack occurred earlier.
According to police reports, the student had gone out with a male friend to get food. On their return, they were followed by a group of men. The friend allegedly fled when three men approached, leaving the girl vulnerable.
She was dragged into a nearby forest, threatened, and raped. Her phone was stolen, and the attackers demanded money for its return.
The Odisha government has dispatched officials to Durgapur to ensure the survivor receives medical, legal, and emotional support. The investigation remains ongoing.
