Medical student from Odisha 'gang-raped' in Bengal
Kolkata (PTI): A medical college student from Odisha was allegedly raped by unidentified men in West Bengal's Paschim Bardhaman district, police said on Saturday.
The police began an investigation into the incident that occurred outside the private medical college campus in Durgapur on Friday night when the second-year student went out with one of her friends for dinner, her family members said.
The survivor, from Jaleswar in Odisha, is undergoing treatment at the college hospital and gave her statement to the police, an officer said.
Following the incident that occurred after last year's RG Kar hospital rape-murder case, the opposition BJP claimed that law and order "totally collapsed" under Mamata Banerjee's rule, the TMC said such matters should not be politicised.
"On the basis of a complaint lodged by the family members of the medic, we have started an investigation," he said.
Later, DC (East) of Durgapur Commissionerate, Abhishek Gupta, said, "The matter is sensitive. The investigation is being conducted with all aspects in mind. As soon as more information is available, it will be shared."
Talking to reporters, the parents of the student said they reached Durgapur this morning after getting a call from their daughter's friends.
Her mother alleged that her daughter was "gang-raped" around 10 pm on Friday when she went out of the college campus with one of her friends for dinner.
"We came here this morning and lodged a complaint with the police. I have heard that the college performed well academically, and this is why we sent our daughter to study medicine here," the student's father said.
An initial probe revealed that the student went outside the campus with her friend around 8-8.30 pm on Friday, the police officer of New Township Police Station in Durgapur said.
"The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there. The men snatched her phone and took her to a jungle outside the campus, where they raped her. She was threatened with dire consequences if she told anyone about the incident," the officer said.
The accused also demanded money from the medic to return her mobile phone, he said.
"We spoke to the victim's friend last night. We are trying to find out CCTV footage. A forensic team will visit the spot to collect evidence," the officer said.
A team of the National Commission for Women (NCW) reached the hospital in Durgapur to meet the victim and her parents.
"Crime against women is on the rise in Bengal. The police are not taking any proactive steps in such cases. This is quite unfortunate. I will request the chief minister to come forward and work in tandem to arrest the rise of such crimes," NCW member Archana Majumdar said.
Meanwhile, the state health department on Saturday sought a report from the private medical college in Durgapur, a senior official said.
"We have sought a quick report from the college authorities in this connection. Accordingly, we will take steps," he added.
Meanwhile, BJP activists started a sit-in protest outside the New Township Police Station, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprit.
Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, spoke to the father of the victim over the phone and assured them of all help to get justice.
The BJP leader also asked the victim's father to shift his daughter to a Kolkata hospital in case the latter was not satisfied with the treatment there.
Later speaking to the media, Adhikari alleged that the law and order in West Bengal has totally collapsed under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is also the police minister.
"Since last year's incident at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where an on-duty doctor was gang-raped, there have been several incidents where women were tortured," Adhikari said.
It's time for the people of West Bengal to have a new government, he said.
Women and Child Development Minister Sashi Panja, called the incident “deeply unfortunate” and urged against politicising crimes against women.
“Kolkata and West Bengal are committed to women’s empowerment. We do not tolerate injustice against women,” she said, calling for patience as the investigation is on.
Panja also cautioned against politicising similar cases in other states, including Odisha.
West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar condemned the incident, saying it reflects the TMC government’s failure to protect women.
"We demand a swift investigation and sent a team to Durgapur to assess the situation and determine next steps," Sarkar said.
The West Bengal Doctors' Forum (WBDF) condemned the gang rape of the MBBS student.
"Another chilling reminder, women are not safe even on campuses. We demand justice, accountability, and real safety measures now," WBDF President Dr Kaushik Chaki said.
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J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
