Qalam Times News Network
June 28, 2025 | Kolkata
In a deeply disturbing incident that has sparked outrage across West Bengal, a 24-year-old law student from South Calcutta Law College has accused three individuals — including a college staff member — of gangrape, physical assault, blackmail, and illegal confinement within the college premises. The horrific episode reportedly took place on the evening of June 25 and continued for nearly three hours, from 7:30 PM to 10:50 PM.
The survivor, in her formal police complaint, alleged that she was assaulted by Manojit Mishra, a staff member and alleged student leader with past affiliations to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), along with two students — 19-year-old Zaib Ahmed and 20-year-old Pramit Mukherjee. According to the complaint, the accused beat her with a hockey stick, sexually assaulted her in turns, and filmed the crime to later blackmail her into silence.
‘They Locked the Gate, Filmed Me, and Threatened to Leak the Video’
The survivor recounted a harrowing ordeal in which the accused allegedly locked the college gate to prevent her from escaping or calling for help. “I begged them to take me to a hospital. I told them I had a boyfriend and pleaded with them to let me go. I even touched their feet, but they refused. One of them recorded two videos while raping me and threatened to release the videos online if I told anyone,” she reportedly stated.
As per sources from Kolkata Police, all three accused have been arrested and their mobile phones sent for forensic examination. The results of a medical examination conducted on the survivor have reportedly corroborated the allegations of gangrape.
Political Backlash and Controversial Remarks
The case has sparked a political storm, particularly after Kalyan Banerjee, a senior MP from the TMC, made remarks that many have condemned as dismissive and insensitive. Speaking to reporters, Banerjee said, “If a friend rapes another friend, how can the government ensure protection? Do we deploy police in every corner of an educational institution?”
His remarks were met with immediate backlash from opposition parties and women’s rights groups, who accused him of trivializing the gravity of the crime. Amit Malviya, national spokesperson of the BJP, called the comments “shameful and insensitive,” stating: “So rape by classmates is acceptable now? If this government claims no responsibility inside educational spaces, then what’s the point of governance?”
TMC Distances Itself from Accused Amid Mounting Criticism
The controversy intensified after it was revealed that the prime accused, Manojit Mishra, was once a prominent face of the TMC’s student wing. Photographs of Mishra with senior TMC leaders began circulating on social media, prompting outrage and suspicion of political sheltering.
However, party leaders issued contradictory statements. Trinankur Bhattacharya, president of the Trinamool student unit, acknowledged Mishra’s past association but clarified that it “in no way represents the values of the party.” On the other hand, Firhad Hakim, Kolkata’s mayor, denied any current connection between Mishra and the TMC. “Being a supporter doesn’t make someone part of the party. Anyone who genuinely upholds Trinamool’s ideals could never commit such an act,” he stated.
Public Outrage, Protests Across Kolkata
The incident has triggered a wave of protests throughout Kolkata. Students, civil rights organizations, and political groups took to the streets on June 27, chanting slogans demanding swift justice and systemic change in the safety protocols of educational institutions.
The survivor’s testimony and the brutal nature of the crime have sent shockwaves through the city, drawing chilling parallels to past high-profile cases of sexual violence in West Bengal, including the rape and murder of a female intern at RG Kar Medical College in August of the previous year.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
The accused — Manojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukherjee — were presented before a local court, which remanded them to four days in police custody. Officials from Kolkata Police have assured a thorough and transparent investigation. “We have collected all digital evidence and are analyzing it with the help of forensic experts,” a senior officer confirmed.
While the legal process moves forward, questions remain around institutional accountability, campus safety, and political interference. Public sentiment remains tense, with many citizens demanding long-term reforms in how sexual violence is addressed in academic environments.
As of now, the law student remains under medical and psychological care, and her family has called for strict and exemplary punishment for the accused. The city, and indeed the entire state, watches closely as justice is awaited in a case that has deeply shaken its conscience.
