Durgapur gang-rape: NCW suggests probing survivor's friend, political controversy erupts
What's the story
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has suggested that the police should interrogate a friend of a 23-year-old Odisha college student, who was allegedly gang-raped in West Bengal's Durgapur. NCW member Archana Majumdar met the survivor at a hospital, who claimed she was persuaded by her friend to leave her private college before being raped on Friday. The incident has sparked political controversy with three arrests and one detention so far.
Investigation progress
Friend also under scanner
The arrested suspects have been identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), Sekh Reajuddin (31), and Sheikh Sofiqul. The survivor's father also hinted at his friend's involvement, saying he fled when the accused cornered his daughter. "The survivor's friend is also under the scanner. He had insisted that she go out with him... When the survivor was cornered by the accused, he fled the scene," Majumdar said.
Allegations
Friend left her alone, says police
The survivor's mother alleged her daughter was gang-raped around 10:00pm on Friday. The police said an initial probe revealed the survivor went outside with her friend around 8:00-8:30pm. "The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there," a police officer said on condition of anonymity. The accused snatched the woman's phone and took her to a jungle outside campus, where they raped her, threatening dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident.
Political response
BJP leaders demand immediate arrests
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured the survivor's family of state government support. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party leaders in Odisha and West Bengal have demanded immediate arrests of all culprits involved in this case. West Bengal assembly Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged a collapse of law and order under Mamata Banerjee's administration, who is also the police minister.
Minister's statement
All protocols being followed in investigation
West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Sashi Panja called the incident "deeply unfortunate" and stressed that politicizing crimes against women is not desirable. On Sunday, East Asansol Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Gupta said all protocols are being followed in the investigation. A drone has been deployed to track a fifth accused involved in this case.