In a major twist to the Durgapur case that has dominated national headlines, West Bengal Police have clarified that no gangrape took place near the medical college campus on October 10. Police have now arrested the 23-year-old classmate of the woman who had earlier alleged gangrape.
What Police Found So Far
Investigators stated that after reviewing security footage and witness accounts, the evidence did not support claims of gangrape. The survivor’s classmate, a resident of Malda, was arrested after discrepancies were found in both his and the survivor’s statements.
He had been detained on October 11, a day after the alleged incident, and was formally arrested following further questioning.
Timeline From CCTV Footage
Security camera footage revealed that the survivor and her friend left the college campus at 7:54 PM. The friend returned alone at 8:42 PM, left again at 8:48 PM, and came back with her at 9:29 PM.
Both initially told investigators that they had gone out for dinner. Later, the survivor claimed that her friend was contacted by unknown men after the alleged assault — a statement that police said contradicted earlier versions.
Official Statement From Police
Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary said that “the classmate is not above suspicion,” adding that only one person appears to have been involved. The roles of previously arrested individuals remain under review.
“Based on current evidence, no gangrape occurred. The investigation now points to a single individual’s involvement,” Choudhary said.
Earlier Arrests and Legal Proceedings
Before this latest arrest, police had taken five local residents into custody. However, subsequent forensic reports and testimonies led officers to conclude that only one person was directly involved.
The suspects were earlier charged under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), but the case is now being re-evaluated in light of new evidence.
Contradictions in Testimonies
Authorities said there were major inconsistencies between the survivor’s medical report, her police statement, and witness accounts.
Initially, the survivor told doctors that three people were present, and only one had committed the crime. Later, she claimed that five men dragged her into a wooded area and gangraped her. These contradictions, according to police, significantly affected the investigation.
CCTV Evidence Contradicts Claims
Footage from the college premises showed the woman returning calmly, without visible distress or torn clothing.
A senior investigating officer told HT, “When an assault of that nature occurs, there are always physical indicators or evidence. The footage, however, does not align with those claims.”
Who Were the Initially Arrested Suspects
The five individuals first arrested were identified as:
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Sheikh Safiqul
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Sheikh Nasiruddin
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Apu Bauri (21)
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Firdous Sheikh (23)
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Sheikh Riazuddin (32)
All belong to nearby villages. Safiqul was arrested on October 13, followed by Nasiruddin on Sunday. The remaining three were remanded to police custody by the court the same day.
What Happens Next
The case remains under investigation as police verify all statements, forensic results, and digital evidence. Authorities have urged media outlets and the public to avoid speculation and allow the process to conclude transparently.
