Durgapur Gang-Rape Probe: Police Find Contradictions in Statements, Seek Extended Custody

Kolkata: Even after six days of interrogation, the police have reportedly found major discrepancies in the statements of the Durgapur gang-rape victim’s male friend and the five arrested youths from a nearby village. Officials said the investigation team is now focusing on missing links in the case to establish the exact sequence of events.

According to police sources, the second-year medical student from Odisha was in a relationship with her classmate, Wasif Ali. On the night of October 10, the two had gone out from their private medical college campus in Durgapur, initially claiming they were going to buy dinner. However, further investigation revealed that they were found in a compromising position in a forested area by three local youths.

When the accused allegedly demanded money, the male friend was allowed to leave to fetch it. During his absence, one of the accused reportedly raped the student while two others stood guard. Later, two more youths arrived at the scene. The victim’s mobile phone was also snatched before the male friend returned with money, following which the duo was allowed to leave.

Investigators claim that from the very beginning, the male friend misled the police, resulting in initial confusion during the probe. His version of events reportedly does not match the statements given by the victim or the arrested youths. The police are now cross-verifying all statements to piece together the truth.

All six accused — including the victim’s male friend — are in police custody, which ends on Wednesday. The police have decided to seek an extension of their custody for further interrogation.

Meanwhile, the victim, who was discharged from the hospital last Friday, is now staying in a rented house in Durgapur under police protection, accompanied by her mother. Security personnel have been deployed outside the residence for her safety.

The incident, which occurred on October 10 outside a private medical college in West Burdwan district’s Durgapur, has sparked outrage. The victim’s father has demanded a CBI investigation to ensure swift justice and strict punishment for all those involved.