Kolkata, Oct 14 (NationPress) The National Commission for Women (NCW), in its fact-finding report concerning the Durgapur gang-rape case, has highlighted significant security lapses and gross negligence by the West Bengal Police during the investigation.

According to the findings released on Tuesday, the NCW reported, “The police failed to secure the crime scene by October 12, raising concerns about potential evidence tampering. There was a lack of proper forensic examination conducted at the place of occurrence (POC). These alarming procedural failures point to severe negligence by local investigative authorities.”

The NCW’s review followed a preliminary report submitted by member Archana Majumdar, who visited Durgapur and engaged with the victim, her family, and other key individuals.

In its report, the NCW stated, “This incident reveals profound systemic issues in maintaining safety and accountability within institutional and administrative frameworks. The lack of preventive security measures, insufficient surveillance, and investigative lapses reflect critical governance failures that demand immediate attention.”

Furthermore, the report noted, “The National Commission for Women will actively monitor the investigation’s progress, the medical support provided to the victim, and her academic recovery until justice is served.”

The NCW also pointed out that the route from the hospital traverses a densely wooded area that is entirely dark at night.

“There is a complete absence of street lighting and surveillance, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians, especially women. This represents a serious administrative failure by the State Government, municipal authorities, and law enforcement agencies. It is concerning that such a significant medical facility, which employs and trains over a thousand female students and healthcare workers, lacks even basic security infrastructure,” it stated.

The NCW further remarked that there was no evidence of regular police patrols, despite the area being notorious for “anti-social and criminal activities.”

“The State Government had previously introduced the ‘Raatri’r Saathi’ project following the RG Kar incident to guarantee the safety of women traveling at night; however, this initiative seems to be ineffective in this area,” it added.

Recently, a second-year medical student from Odisha was gang-raped by five individuals in a forested area outside a private medical college and hospital in the Durgapur region of West Burdwan district.

Following the victim’s complaint, police apprehended all five suspects, who are currently in custody. Additionally, a male friend of the victim has also been detained and is cooperating with the investigation.