Durgapur Gang-Rape: NCW Suggests Probing Survivor’s Friend, Political Controversy Erupts
By Snehil Singh | Oct 12, 2025 | 02:05 PM
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has recommended that police interrogate a friend of the 23-year-old Odisha college student who was allegedly gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal. NCW member Archana Majumdar met the survivor at a hospital, where the victim revealed that her friend had persuaded her to leave her private college shortly before the attack on Friday.
Investigation Progress: Friend Also Under Scanner
So far, three suspects have been arrested and one detained in connection with the case. The accused have been identified as Apu Bauri (21), Firdos Sekh (23), Sekh Reajuddin (31), and Sheikh Sofiqul.
The survivor’s father also indicated possible involvement of the friend, stating that the friend fled when the accused cornered his daughter. “The survivor’s friend is also under the scanner. He had insisted that she go out with him. When the survivor was cornered by the accused, he fled the scene,” said NCW member Archana Majumdar.
Allegations: Friend Left Her Alone, Say Police
The survivor’s mother alleged that her daughter was gang-raped around 10:00 PM last Friday. According to police, an initial probe revealed that the survivor went out with her friend around 8:00 to 8:30 PM.
“The friend left her alone when three unidentified men arrived there,” a police officer speaking on the condition of anonymity said. The accused reportedly snatched the woman’s phone and took her to a jungle outside the campus, where they raped her, threatening serious consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
Political Response: Calls for Immediate Arrests
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured the survivor’s family of the state government’s support amid the investigation. Meanwhile, leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha and West Bengal have demanded the swift arrest of all those involved in the case.
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, accused the Mamata Banerjee administration—who is also the state’s police minister—of law and order collapse.
Minister’s Statement: Investigation Following All Protocols
West Bengal Women and Child Development Minister Sashi Panja described the incident as “deeply unfortunate” and emphasized that politicizing crimes against women is undesirable.
East Asansol Deputy Commissioner of Police Abhishek Gupta confirmed on Sunday that all investigation protocols are being followed. A drone has been deployed to track a fifth accused believed to be involved in the case.