Police recorded statements of two out of six accused in the Durgapur medical student gangrape case before a judicial magistrate. The two may turn approvers as the investigation continues amid inconsistencies and the victim’s father’s demand for a CBI probe.
The shocking Durgapur gangrape case involving a second-year medical student from a private medical college, the statements of two out of six accused were recorded before a judicial magistrate on Tuesday. The proceedings took place at a court under the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate in West Bengal’s West Burdwan district.
According to police sources, the statements were recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, which authorizes a judicial magistrate to document confessions or statements made by accused individuals or witnesses during an ongoing investigation.
After recording their statements, both accused were sent back to custody. All six accused are scheduled to be presented before the same district court in Durgapur again on Wednesday.
Two Accused May Turn Approvers
Officials close to the investigation hinted that the two individuals whose statements were recorded might turn approvers, potentially providing crucial leads in the case. This could prove pivotal as the investigation moves into its next phase, focusing on verifying inconsistencies in witness and accused statements.
Despite nearly a week of intense questioning, police sources said they have detected discrepancies between the statements of the victim’s male friend and the five arrested youths from a local village. These inconsistencies have led investigators to suspect that certain details of the incident are being concealed.
Timeline of the Case
The disturbing incident occurred on October 10, when a second-year medical student from Odisha was allegedly gangraped in a forested area near her private medical college and hospital in Durgapur. The victim was reportedly accompanied by her male friend when the alleged crime took place.
Following her complaint, police arrested five local youths who were identified as the main accused. During interrogation, it was revealed that only one person directly committed the sexual assault, while the others were involved in the abduction and conspiracy.
Subsequently, investigators arrested the victim’s male friend after uncovering major inconsistencies in his version of events. His contradictory statements raised suspicions that he might have played a role in luring the victim to the isolated spot where the assault occurred.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The case is being investigated under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, given the seriousness of the allegations and the victim’s status as a medical student.
Sources from the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate confirmed that forensic analysis and digital evidence, including mobile data and CCTV footage from areas near the college, are being examined to piece together the sequence of events.
The investigation team is also scrutinizing the relationship between the victim and her male friend, which has become a focal point due to the conflicting statements provided by both parties. Officials said that the recorded judicial statements of the two accused could shed new light on the planning and execution of the crime.
Victim’s Family Demands CBI Inquiry
Meanwhile, the victim’s father has publicly demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a fair and impartial probe. He expressed dissatisfaction with the ongoing police investigation, alleging possible lapses in evidence handling and interrogation procedures.
“The culprits must be punished at the earliest. We have full faith that only an independent agency like the CBI can ensure justice for my daughter,” the victim’s father said.
Public Outrage and Legal Attention
The Durgapur gangrape case has sparked widespread outrage across West Bengal and Odisha, particularly in academic circles. Students from the victim’s college have organized silent marches and candlelight vigils, demanding swift justice and enhanced campus safety measures.
Legal experts have highlighted that the introduction of BNSS 2023 provisions, such as Section 183, allows for more transparent judicial oversight during criminal investigations. The statements recorded before a magistrate will now carry significant evidentiary weight in court proceedings.
| Also Read: Calcutta High Court orders tight Security at Durgapur Medical College |
As the case unfolds, all eyes are on Wednesday’s court hearing, which is expected to determine whether any of the accused will officially turn approvers, possibly accelerating the path toward justice for the young medical student.
