Durgapur: In a shocking twist to the Durgapur rape case that has gripped West Bengal, police on Monday evening arrested the victim’s male friend, identifying him as the primary perpetrator.
This brings the total number of suspects in custody to six, following the earlier apprehension of five others.
The ordeal unfolded on October 10, when the 20-year-old second-year MBBS student from Jaleswar, Odisha, was allegedly assaulted outside her private medical college campus after a dinner outing with her friend. The victim’s detailed statement under Section 164 of the CrPC played a pivotal role, revealing that the assault took place in the accused’s company post-dinner. Investigations confirmed all five previously arrested men were present during the incident, though police commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary clarified in a press briefing that gangrape charges do not apply. “The assault was perpetrated by a single individual,” he asserted, based on the victim’s account and initial evidence. Forensic and medical reports are awaited for further corroboration.
Choudhary detailed the probe’s progress: the victim’s mobile phone has been recovered, the accused’s clothing and physical attributes documented, and a crime scene reconstruction conducted with the prime suspect in tow. Interrogations continue, with one suspect’s garments sent for forensic analysis.
Among the six detainees are a former security guard at a private college, a current hospital employee, a temporary municipal worker, an unemployed youth, and two others. The commissioner stressed swift action, underscoring the team’s commitment to justice.
As the nation watches this harrowing saga, questions swirl about trust and safety for young women in educational hubs.
The accused is slated for a court appearance on Tuesday, with the investigation pressing ahead relentlessly.