Calcutta High Court bars outsider entry into Durgapur private medical college after gangrape of an Odisha student. Orders state police to ensure full security as investigation continues, with BJP delegation visiting the site and officials under review.
In a major judicial intervention following the shocking gangrape of a second-year medical student in Durgapur, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday imposed strict restrictions on the entry of outsiders into the private medical college and hospital premises. The order comes amid rising tension, heavy crowd gatherings, and security concerns at the institute in West Bengal’s West Burdwan district.
A single-judge bench led by Justice Shampa Dutt (Paul) directed the state police to ensure “absolute security” within and around the college premises. The court emphasized that no unauthorized persons would be allowed to enter the medical college or hospital compound until further notice.
Earlier in the day, the authorities of the medical college had filed an urgent petition before the High Court, seeking immediate intervention to remove groups of people crowding near the entrance of the institution. The authorities highlighted that ongoing examinations were being disrupted due to the growing public and media presence.
After hearing the matter in detail, Justice Dutt (Paul) ordered police deployment around the clock and instructed the administration to strictly regulate entry. The order was issued hours after the college requested relief, citing the need for a safe and calm academic environment.
Incident Background
The horrific incident occurred on October 10, when the 22-year-old victim, a second-year student originally from Odisha, had stepped out of the hostel after 8 p.m. to buy food. She was allegedly abducted by a group of men and dragged into a nearby forested area, where she was gangraped.
Following her complaint, the Asansol-Durgapur Police arrested five accused persons, all of whom are currently in custody. A male friend of the victim, who was reportedly present during the incident, has also been detained for questioning.
Police Clarification: Only One Involved in Physical Assault
During a press conference on Tuesday, Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary revealed a crucial update in the investigation. Based on technical and scientific evidence and the victim’s statement, police found that only one of the accused was directly involved in the physical sexual assault, though all five remain under investigation for their roles in the crime.
“The role of each accused, including the male friend of the victim, is being investigated. His involvement is not beyond doubt, and we are examining his statements repeatedly,” Commissioner Choudhary stated.
Police have since conducted a reconstruction of the crime scene with the accused and the victim’s friend at the same forest location. Officers confirmed that a mobile phone stolen during the assault had been recovered. The victim’s statement was officially recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, marking a key stage in the judicial process.
Choudhary added that forensic and medico-legal examinations of the accused were completed, and reports are awaited. The investigation remains ongoing with several scientific leads under verification.
Political Reactions and Odisha Delegation Visit
Amid the investigation, a three-member BJP delegation from Odisha, led by Balasore MP Pratap Chandra Sarangi, arrived in Durgapur on Tuesday afternoon. The team is expected to meet the victim’s parents and, if possible, the victim herself.
Sarangi confirmed that the delegation would also meet top officials from the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate to review the progress of the case. “We will submit a detailed report to the Odisha government after meeting the family and authorities,” Sarangi told reporters before his visit.
Security Heightened Across Durgapur
Following the High Court’s direction, the West Bengal Police have deployed additional forces around the college premises and hostels. Entry checkpoints have been established, and CCTV monitoring has been intensified to ensure student safety.
This case has sparked widespread outrage across the state and Odisha, with students’ groups and political parties demanding swift justice and institutional reforms for women’s safety in medical campuses.
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The court’s order is expected to remain in effect until the completion of both the police investigation and the college’s internal review of security protocols.
