Durgapur gang-rape: 3 arrested after minor drugged, assaulted at hotel
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A 14-year-old girl was allegedly drugged, taken to a hotel, and gang-raped in the Durgapur industrial area of West Burdwan district, West Bengal, police confirmed on Sunday, 7 June. Three people, including a woman described as the main accused, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
What Happened
According to police, the incident took place on Saturday. A woman from the Budbud area, known to the victim's family, allegedly lured the Class 8 student out of her home. The minor was then made to consume alcohol laced with sedatives, causing her to lose consciousness.
She was subsequently taken by car to a hotel in the Durgapur City Centre area, where three young men allegedly assaulted her. The accused then abandoned the girl on the Budbud Bypass and fled in a vehicle.
How the Family Was Alerted
A toto (battery-powered auto-rickshaw) driver discovered the minor lying helpless on the roadside and alerted her family. The girl's family was informed around 10:30 pm. After learning of the incident from his daughter, the father filed a written complaint at Durgapur police station.
The father told reporters: 'A young woman from the Budbud area lured my daughter out of the house. She made her drink alcohol. Some medicine was mixed with the alcohol. The girl fainted. Then she was taken to a hotel room with three young men. There the girl was gang-raped. Later, the accused left the girl alone and fled on the Budbud Bypass.'
He added: 'I have filed a complaint with the police. I want strict action against the accused.'
Police Action and Arrests
Commissioner of the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, Pranab Kumar, confirmed the arrests. 'The police have already arrested three people. Among them is a woman, the main accused. The hotel manager has been detained. Investigation is underway. The arrested will be produced in the Durgapur Sub-District Court on Monday. We will appeal for their police custody,' he said.
The hotel manager has been detained and questioned separately. A forensic team visited the crime scene and collected samples. Search operations were continuing at multiple locations as of Sunday.
Victim's Condition
The minor is currently receiving treatment at Durgapur Sub-District Hospital. Her condition has not been officially disclosed. This incident comes amid recurring concerns over the safety of minors in West Bengal, with advocacy groups calling for faster investigation and trial timelines in cases involving children.