Safety Concerns Emerge After Alleged Rape Near Durgapur Medical College In West Bengal

The father of a trainee doctor, who was raped and murdered at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata last year, has spoken out about another alleged rape incident. This time, a 23-year-old woman near a private medical college in Durgapur, West Bengal, was reportedly attacked on Friday night. He questioned the safety data from the NCRB that labels Kolkata as the safest city.

He criticised the West Bengal government for not ensuring doctors' safety and expressed disbelief over the NCRB's report. "They are doctors, first-class citizens of society, and (the government) cannot ensure their safety... This administration still raises all questions against the victim. Those who lack the ability to protect them should take the responsibility and resign from their posts," he said, according to news agency ANI.

Concerns Over Safety

In an interview with The Indian Express, he highlighted that the Durgapur victim came from Jaleswar in Odisha to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. He questioned whether this incident reflects a safe city or state. "Is this an example of a safe city or state? The girl came to this state with the dream to build a career, become a doctor, and serve people. But what happened? She was violated, her dreams shattered. She is alive, but imagine the trauma," he told IE.

The 23-year-old medical student had gone out with a friend for food on Friday night when she was allegedly raped outside her college campus. Her friend fled when they were followed by unknown men. The attackers then took her to a nearby forest where one of them raped her.

Details of the Incident

The victim's mother recounted how her daughter was abandoned by her friend and subsequently attacked by three men who followed them. "She went out to have food on her friend's request outside the campus. Three people started following them. Her friend abandoned her and fled. My daughter also started running but couldn't trace her friend. When the three men found my daughter alone they took her to a nearby forest area. Two more people joined them. One of them committed the crime and snatched her mobile," she told media outlets.

The police have registered an FIR regarding this case and initiated an investigation into the matter.

Previous Tragedy

Last year’s tragic incident at RG Kar Medical College involved a trainee doctor who was raped and murdered, leading to nationwide protests. Sanjay Roy was convicted for this crime by Sealdah sessions court and sentenced to life imprisonment without parole.

The father of last year's victim expressed frustration over recurring incidents despite reports claiming West Bengal as safe: "But these people are greedy... This administration is not doing its job properly, that's why all these incidents are happening day in and day out... Despite all that's happening, a national report (NCRB) has come out calling West Bengal the safest… How do they make these reports?... How does West Bengal come at number one in this report?" he said according to ANI.

This recent case has sparked political debates about women's safety in West Bengal once again.