Is the Durgapur gang-rape case limited to one assailant?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- One assailant confirmed in Durgapur gang-rape case.
- Investigation continues for other suspects.
- Police are conducting a scene reconstruction.
- The victim's male friend is also under investigation.
- Authorities are awaiting scientific evidence reports.
Kolkata, Oct 14 (NationPress) Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissioner Sunil Kumar Choudhary announced on Tuesday that the investigation into the Durgapur gang-rape case has revealed that only one individual was responsible for the physical sexual assault.
During a press briefing, Commissioner Choudhary stated that based on the technical and scientific evidence gathered, alongside the victim's testimony, it has been established that the physical sexual assault was perpetrated by just one accused. He added, “The involvement of the other five individuals is currently under investigation.”
Choudhary also mentioned that the role of the victim's male friend, who remains in custody, is being scrutinized. “The male friend of the victim, present at the scene, is among the five accused... his involvement is also questionable. We are actively investigating his part,” the officer noted.
Last Friday, a second-year medical student from Odisha was gang-raped by five individuals in a forested area adjacent to a private medical college and hospital in the West Burdwan district's Durgapur.
Following the victim's report, all five suspects have been apprehended and are currently in police custody. Additionally, the victim's male friend has also been detained.
On Tuesday, police took the accused and the victim's male friend to the forest for a reconstruction of the crime scene.
Commissioner Choudhary further explained that an FIR was filed immediately after the incident, prompting a swift investigation. “To date, we have arrested five individuals confirmed to be present at the crime scene on the day of the incident. A mobile phone, which was taken by the assailants, has also been recovered,” he stated.
“Essential investigative actions, including scene reconstruction, collection of technical and scientific evidence, and medico-legal examinations, have been completed. We are awaiting the reports,” he added.
The victim's statement was recorded under section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure on the same day.
“The investigation is ongoing, and we will provide updates as new information becomes available,” he concluded.