Tragic Incident on Medical College Campus
A chilling episode unfolded on Friday evening when a second-year MBBS student from Odisha, studying at a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, was allegedly raped within the college premises. The survivor, hailing from Jaleswar in Odisha, reportedly stepped out of the campus around 8:30 pm with a male friend when the assault took place near the campus gate.
According to preliminary reports, the accused allegedly dragged the student to a secluded area behind the hospital and committed the crime. The student has since been admitted to a hospital for medical examination, while police launched an investigation after receiving a call about the incident.
Investigation and Campus Security Concerns
Authorities are now questioning college staff, the survivor’s friend, and others who may have been present near the site of the attack to piece together the sequence of events. The survivor’s father, who rushed to Durgapur upon hearing the news, raised serious concerns about campus safety and alleged a lack of response from the college administration.
He claimed his daughter had gone out to buy ‘phuchka’ (golgappas) after her friend, Wasif Ali, called her, and was confronted by four to five individuals near the gate. “One of them raped her, took her mobile phone, and demanded Rs 3,000 for its return,” he alleged, adding that the friend accompanying her later brought her back. The father urged for strict action, saying, “I want justice for my daughter so that such incidents do not happen to any other girl.”
While the police have not yet issued an official statement, sources indicate that investigators are exploring multiple angles, including possible lapses in campus security and the involvement of outside individuals.
Context of Rising Crimes Against Women in West Bengal
This incident comes amid growing concerns over crimes against women in West Bengal, drawing comparisons with other recent cases. Last year, a PG intern at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata was raped and murdered, highlighting the vulnerability of female students in supposedly secure institutional spaces.
Similarly, in July 2025, a law student was gang-raped inside her college in Kolkata, allegedly by a leader of a student wing linked to the ruling party. Such events have intensified scrutiny of campus safety, with critics questioning the state government’s measures to protect women.
Need for Stronger Safeguards
These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for robust security protocols at educational institutions, including round-the-clock surveillance, proper lighting, and emergency response systems. Experts emphasize that awareness, monitoring, and strict enforcement are essential to prevent crimes within campus premises, particularly against young women who often live far from home.
The Durgapur case also highlights the risks faced by students traveling outside campus after hours, suggesting a need for regulated mobility or escorted transport in sensitive areas.
A Call for Justice and Reform
The alleged rape of the Odisha medical student is a stark reminder of the continuing vulnerability of women even in educational spaces. It reflects the necessity for proactive safety measures, accountability from institutions, and swift police action.
As investigations progress, the focus must be on ensuring justice for the survivor and creating safe, secure environments for female students across West Bengal and India. Only a combination of stringent policy enforcement, effective surveillance, and societal vigilance can prevent such tragedies and restore confidence in educational institutions.
(With agency inputs)
