Kolkata: A 20-year-old woman was allegedly raped by two of her friends in South Kolkata’s Haridevpur area on Friday night, police said. The accused are currently absconding, and a manhunt has been launched to trace them.
According to the complaint, one of the accused invited the woman to a birthday party around 10:45 pm. When she arrived, she found no other guests present. Police said the woman was then allegedly assaulted by her friend and another man from the same house, and subjected to torture throughout the night.
The survivor managed to escape on Saturday morning around 10:30 am and returned home, after which her family complained to the Haridevpur police station. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), including gang rape.
Police said the woman has been sent for medical examination and statements have been recorded. Officers are also examining CCTV footage from the locality to verify movements during the time of the incident and to identify if others were involved.
A senior Kolkata Police officer confirmed, “The two accused have fled, and search operations are underway. The investigation is being conducted on priority.”
📊 Background: Reported Rape Cases in Kolkata
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2022: 11 cases were registered, the same as in 2021.
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2021: Kolkata reported 11 rape cases, the lowest among 19 major metropolitan cities in India.
Despite relatively lower official figures, recent cases have triggered public outrage and protests:
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August 2024: The rape and murder of a doctor in a government hospital led to nationwide protests and demands for better security for women and healthcare workers.
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June 2025: A student was gang-raped at a Kolkata law college, sparking massive student-led protests after multiple arrests.
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September 2025: The Haridevpur case once again raises concerns about women’s safety in the city.
