Police Suspect One Person Raped Durgapur Medical Student; Classmate’s Clothes Sent For Forensics

Last Updated:October 15, 2025, 09:41 IST

The victim’s classmate, Wasif Ali from Malda’s Kaliachak, had been under suspicion from the beginning.

A view of the medical college, where a second-year MBBS student was allegedly gangraped in West Bengal's Durgapur. (Image: PTI)

In a significant development in the Durgapur alleged gang-rape case, West Bengal police are now suspecting that only one person committed the rape of the medical student, while the conduct of the victim’s classmate remains under scrutiny as the investigation progresses. A classmate of the Odisha-born student has also been arrested, bringing the total number of detainees to six. Authorities are closely examining the roles of all those present at the scene.

The arrest occurred on Tuesday evening, shortly after Asansol–Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhury held a press briefing. The victim’s confidential statement has been recorded, and the police conducted a reconstruction of the crime scene in the Paranaganj forest, near the college.

“The role of the victim’s classmate is not beyond suspicion," Commissioner Choudhury said. He added that the clothes worn by the classmate on the night of the incident have been seized, and DNA samples will be tested for all accused.

Arrests and investigation

Commissioner Choudhury noted that all suspects were apprehended within two days of the complaint being filed. Police responded promptly after receiving a verbal report at 1:05am on Friday and reached the scene using a mobile van. By 3:38 am, hospital authorities had filed a written complaint.

“Apart from the victim and her friend, the five others present at the scene have all been arrested," the Commissioner said. “Based on collected evidence and the victim’s statement, it appears that only one individual carried out the rape. The roles of the remaining suspects are being verified. Forensic and medical reports are still awaited."

Why was the classmate arrested?

The victim’s classmate, Wasif Ali from Malda’s Kaliachak, had been under suspicion from the beginning. Although the initial complaint did not implicate him, allegations emerged during the victim’s confidential statement. He is being interrogated repeatedly to clarify his exact involvement.

As per reports, the second-year medical student had reluctantly gone off-campus for dinner with her classmate when the horrific incident occurred. According to her father, she was attacked by two or three men, while the classmate allegedly fled, leaving her behind to be assaulted.

“Around 10pm, one of her classmates informed us that she had been gang-raped," her father said. “The incident happened between 8 and 9pm, far from the hostel." Her mother added, “They snatched her mobile phone after the assault and demanded Rs 3,000 to return it. They threatened her with death if she spoke out. My daughter did not want to go out, but a classmate persuaded her to walk with him."

Police have emphasised that the investigation is being conducted meticulously. Commissioner Choudhury assured the family that personal security would be provided if needed and that senior officers’ contact numbers had been shared. Forensic experts have collected multiple samples, and DNA testing is underway.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured the victim’s mother that strong measures would be taken to ensure the perpetrators face stringent punishment. While multiple individuals were detained, authorities currently believe that only one person carried out the sexual assault. 

Meanwhile, the investigation continues, with forensic and medical reports pending.

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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