College dean, HoDs urge students to act responsibly outside campus
Times of India | 14 October 2025
Kolkata: The dean of students and heads of departments at the Durgapur medical college have asked students to act responsibly while stepping out of the campus.
Addressing the students in the wake of the gang rape incident, they said while the institute could not mind the actions of adult students outside the campus, it was incumbent on the students to be responsible for their security and safety when they stepped out.
This involved not just their personal well-being but also their families, fellow students, and the institute as well, they added.
The bridge across a canal where the two students had gone on Friday evening is in a secluded locality. It is this seclusion that makes it a popular hangout zone for students, particularly couples. However, that also emerged as a handicap when the five miscreants accosted the two second-year students and then took her to a further desolate and wooded area 300 metres away where the crime was committed.
"All students, irrespective of gender, must assess how safe a place before venturing there, especially after dark," the faculty members told the students.
Speaking to TOI, institute director Sudarshana Gangulee said since a heinous crime had occurred while the students were outside the campus, it was important to drive home the point that students needed to be cautious and responsible when they stepped out after dusk.
"We have always had a 10 pm curfew hour. Students stepping out before that are required to sign in. There is a physical verification at 10 pm to ensure that all students have returned to their respective hostels. If someone is missing, the warden calls up the student. Thereafter, the warden informs the parents or local guardians. This will continue to be strictly enforced," Gangulee said.
She, however, reiterated that the students involved had not violated any hostel regulations and the 10 pm curfew hour. The duo had stepped out at 7.58 pm on Friday and returned an hour and a half later at 9.29 pm. "The institute will continue to strictly adhere to the SOP on curfew hour. But it is neither feasible, nor appropriate to micro-manage every step in the personal lives of students," she added.