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Key Points

The National Commission for Women has taken a strong stance on women's safety following controversial remarks. NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar emphasized that safety cannot be conditional, directly responding to West Bengal Chief Minister's comments. Meanwhile, three accused in the Durgapur medical student gang-rape case have been sent to police custody. The incident occurred when the student went out for dinner with a male friend near her college campus.

Key Points: NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar Says Women Safety Cannot Be Conditional

  • NCW Chairperson rejects conditional safety after Mamata Banerjee's night-out comments
  • Three accused in Durgapur gang-rape case remanded to 10-day police custody
  • Medical student was assaulted after going out for dinner with male friend
  • Police recover victim's mobile phone and search for two more accused persons
3 min read

'Women's safety cannot be conditional': NCW on suggestions for not stepping out at night

NCW Chairperson emphasizes women's safety is paramount after Mamata Banerjee's night-out remarks. Three accused in Durgapur medical student gang-rape case sent to police custody.

"The safety of women is paramount, and the Commission is ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly. - Vijaya Rahatkar, NCW Chairperson"

Kolkata, Oct 12

It is the collective responsibility of the police, administration, society and institutions to ensure a secure environment for every woman at all times, National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said on Sunday in the aftermath of the Durgapur gang-rape incident.

Rahatkar reposted a NCW social media post on the Commission's action in the case and said, "The safety of women is paramount, and the Commission is ensuring that justice is delivered swiftly. The Chairperson stated that while adherence to hostel rules is essential, women's safety cannot be conditional."

The NCW Chairperson's remarks on secure environment for women "at all times" hold significance in light of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's comment on Sunday that girls should not be allowed to go out at night.

"The police cannot keep a watch on everyone by going to their doorstep. The private medical college also has a responsibility to take care of its students," CM Banerjee said while speaking to media persons here outside the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.

Earlier, a member of the NCW visited Durgapur on Saturday to meet the survivor in the recent medical student assault case and interacted with police officials regarding the ongoing investigation, the NCW said in an X post.

The NCW statement, shared on X, said, "On the directions of Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and NCW member Archana Majumdar visited Durgapur to meet the rape survivor in the recent medical student assault case and interacted with police officials regarding the ongoing investigation."

On Sunday, a West Bengal court sent three youths involved in the gang-rape to police custody for 10 days.

The arrested persons were produced before the Durgapur Sub-divisional Court.

The judge ordered the accused persons to be remanded in police custody for 10 days.

The arrested persons were identified as Seikh Reajuddin, Apu Bauri and Firdos Seikh.

The accused allegedly snatched the mobile phone and Rs 5,000 from the bag of the medical student while torturing her.

According to police sources, the mobile phone of the girl has been recovered from the accused persons.

Police sources also claimed that they have found direct evidence against the three accused persons.

Meanwhile, a forensic team reached the crime spot and collected the evidence.

The police are looking for two other accused persons and started a search in this regard.

On Friday, the second-year medical student from Odisha, was allegedly gang-raped outside the campus in Durgapur after she went outside with her male friend for dinner.

According to the police, the medical student had stepped out of the campus with a male friend for dinner when a group of young men on motorcycles accosted them and passed objectionable remarks at them.

The men allegedly chased away the male friend, dragged the medical student to a forest area behind the campus, and gang-raped her.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree with NCW's statement, Mamata Banerjee also has a point about institutional responsibility. Colleges and universities need better security measures, especially for outstation students. Both perspectives matter here.
A
Ananya R
As a woman living in Kolkata, this hits close to home. We need better street lighting, more police patrols, and emergency response systems. Telling us to stay indoors is not the solution - making cities safer is! 💪
D
David E
The swift police action and NCW's involvement is commendable. Hope this sets a precedent for handling such cases across India. Justice must be delivered without delay.
S
Sarah B
This is heartbreaking. That poor medical student from Odisha came to study and had to face this trauma. Educational institutions must provide safe accommodation and transport facilities for all students, especially women.
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Vikram M
While NCW's statement is ideal, we need practical solutions. Better policing, CCTV cameras, and self-defense training in colleges can make a real difference. Let's focus on actionable steps rather than just rhetoric.

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