Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has personally reached out to the family of the woman from Balasore district who was gang-raped in Durgapur, West Bengal, assuring them of full support from the State government and intervention at the highest level to ensure justice.
The survivor, a medical student from Jaleswar in Balasore, was reportedly attacked by a group of men outside her private college in Durgapur on the evening of October 10. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed discussions about the safety of young women pursuing education away from home.
According to an official statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Mr. Majhi spoke with the survivor’s father late on Saturday to convey his concern and solidarity.
“I am deeply pained and shocked by this inhuman incident,” Mr. Majhi told the victim’s father over the phone. “As a father, I can understand your anguish. The Odisha government stands firmly with your family in this moment of distress.”
The Chief Minister further informed him that his government is prioritising the survivor’s recovery and rehabilitation while ensuring that the perpetrators face the severest punishment under the law. He also confirmed that a senior official from Odisha has been coordinating with the West Bengal administration to monitor the investigation and extend legal and logistical assistance to the family.
In his message to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Mr. Majhi urged for a speedy and impartial probe into the incident and strict action against all those involved. The Odisha government, he said, expects a time-bound investigation and justice for the young woman.
Following the Chief Minister’s directions, the Balasore district administration has formed a four-member team to liaise with officials in West Bengal. The team, comprising Additional District Magistrate Hemant Singh and District Social Welfare Officer Jyotsna Mohanty, visited the hospital where the survivor is undergoing treatment and met her family on Sunday.
Speaking to the media after the visit, Ms. Mohanty said the survivor’s condition was “gradually improving.”
“We have assured the family that the Odisha government is with them throughout this ordeal,” she said. “There is close coordination between the two state administrations to ensure that all necessary assistance is extended.”
ADM Hemant Singh noted that the Odisha team was satisfied with the prompt action by the West Bengal Police, who had arrested three suspects in connection with the case by Sunday evening. “We are hopeful that justice will be delivered swiftly,” he added.
Earlier, in a post on social media platform X, Mr. Majhi had publicly appealed to the West Bengal government to ensure the “speedy arrest of the culprits and exemplary punishment” to deter such crimes in the future.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal Doctors’ Front (WBDF) issued a statement condemning the attack, describing it as a “chilling reminder” of the persistent vulnerability of women, even within educational institutions. The association has demanded a judicial probe into the incident to ensure transparency and accountability.
As investigations continue, the Odisha government has reiterated its commitment to stand by the survivor and her family until justice is served. The Chief Minister has directed officials to remain in constant touch with their counterparts in Durgapur and extend any further support required.
