- NCW has registered a gang rape case of an Odisha medical student in Durgapur, West Bengal
- The accident occurred in front of a private medical college on Friday night
- NCW Chairperson requested the West Bengal police to arrest all the accused persons forthwith
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took cognizance of the purported gang rape of a second-year Odia medical student on the Durgapur private medical college campus in West Burdwan district, West Bengal, independently.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has made a formal letter request with West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar for all of the suspects to be arrested without delay.
The letter also called for a transparent and timely investigation, and, taking into consideration the survivor's medical and psychological health, called for comprehensive medical and psychological treatment.
In order to ensure effective monitoring, NCW personally made the assurance that Chairperson Archana Majumdar would personally travel to Durgapur to meet the survivor and review the police investigation's progress. The Commission has also asked for an 'Action Taken' report within five days from the police.
In reaction, the West Bengal Police released a statement deploring the sexual assault and promising the perpetrators of the act that they will face the consequences.
The police acknowledged that the victim has recovered and is getting all the requisite assistance. The police also warned the people against spreading unverified information and urged a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women.
The case has also garnered political interest. Although West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not reacted to a social media appeal made by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi seeking exemplary action against the perpetrators, the crime was decried by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The party also berated the Central government for not passing the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill, which had been tabled over a year ago, and termed the inaction as having serious ramifications.
