Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 11: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged gang rape of a second-year medical student from Odisha outside a private medical college in Durgapur, West Burdwan district, West Bengal, on Friday night.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has formally written to West Bengal Director General of Police, Rajeev Kumar, demanding the immediate arrest of all accused individuals. The letter also calls for a swift and transparent investigation and comprehensive medical and psychological support for the survivor.
To ensure proper oversight, the NCW statement confirmed that Chairperson Archana Majumdar will personally visit Durgapur to meet the survivor and assess the police investigation's progress. The Commission has demanded an 'Action Taken' Report from the police within five days.
In a related development, the West Bengal Police issued a public statement expressing deep concern over the sexual assault, assuring the public that "the culprits shall not go unpunished." The police emphasized their commitment to justice, stating, "The pain of the victim is as much ours as it is Odisha’s." They added that the victim is "recovering well" and is being provided with all necessary assistance. The police also cautioned the public against sharing any unverified information, reaffirming their zero tolerance policy toward crimes against women.
Politically, the incident has drawn sharp responses. While West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has not yet responded to a social media appeal from her Odisha counterpart, Mohan Charan Majhi, urging exemplary action, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has issued a statement condemning the crime. The TMC, however, pivoted to criticise the Central government, alleging that the Union government has demonstrated "delay over duty" regarding the proposed Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill, which was introduced over a year ago but has not been converted into law. The party termed this inaction a "political choice with deadly consequences."