Kolkata, – A shocking incident of alleged gang-rape on the campus of a prominent law college in South Kolkata has sent shockwaves across West Bengal, prompting widespread outrage, protests, and swift police action. A 24-year-old female law student was reportedly lured into a secluded room within the college premises on the evening of June 25th and subjected to a brutal sexual assault by two senior students and a former student of the institution. The college’s security guard has also been arrested for his alleged complicity in the crime.
The victim, whose identity has been withheld to protect her privacy, filed a complaint with Kasba Police Station on June 26th, detailing a horrifying ordeal that lasted for over three hours. According to her statement, she had visited the college to fill out exam forms when she was asked to stay back by the primary accused, Manojit Mishra (31), a former student and now an ad-hoc non-teaching staff member at the college. Mishra allegedly proposed marriage, and upon her refusal, she was forcibly taken to a guard’s room near the student union office.
The victim alleged that she was then sexually assaulted by Mishra, while two other students, Zaib Ahmed (19) and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), acted as accomplices, standing guard and preventing her escape. Harrowing details from her complaint reveal that she was undressed, raped and even struck with a hockey stick when she resisted. The perpetrators also allegedly video-recorded the assault and threatened to circulate the footage if she reported the crime, further attempting to silence her by threatening her boyfriend and family. She recounted pleading with her attackers, even touching Mishra’s feet, but to no avail. The victim also suffered a panic attack during the ordeal and was only allowed to use her inhaler, with requests for medical help being denied. She was finally released around 10:50 PM, after which she immediately contacted her father.
Kolkata Police responded with swiftness. Within 24 hours of the complaint, Manojit Mishra and Zaib Ahmed were arrested from near Talbagan Crossing on June 26th, followed by the arrest of Pramit Mukhopadhyay from his residence in the early hours of June 27th. On Saturday, June 28th, the college’s security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, was also taken into custody after inconsistencies were found in his statement and evidence suggested his inaction during the crime. Police sources indicate that CCTV footage spanning over seven hours from June 25th corroborated the victim’s allegations, showing her being forced into the guard’s room and the movements of the accused. A 1.5-minute video clip of the assault was also recovered from one of the accused’s mobile phones and has been sent for forensic analysis.
The medical examination of the victim conducted at Calcutta National Medical College has confirmed signs of brutal sexual assault, including forceful penetration, bite marks, and nail scratches on her body, as well as abrasion marks on her neck and chest. A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed by the Kolkata Police to probe the case with utmost seriousness and sensitivity. The accused have been remanded in police custody until July 1st for further investigation.
The incident has ignited a fierce political debate in West Bengal. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly condemned the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government, alleging a collapse of law and order and questioning how such a heinous crime could occur within college premises. BJP leaders have pointed to Manojit Mishra’s alleged past affiliation with the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the TMC, claiming he was a former office-bearer. In response, the TMC has condemned the incident unequivocally, assured swift justice, and distanced itself from Mishra, stating that he is no longer associated with the party. They have also used the moment to advocate for their proposed “Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill”.
Student organizations, including SFI-DYFI, BJP, Congress, and AIDSO, have staged protests across the city, demanding justice for the victim and heightened safety measures on college campuses. This incident has brought back grim memories of the August 2023 rape and murder of a medical intern at R.G. Kar Medical College, intensifying calls for greater accountability and improved security protocols in educational institutions across the state. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognisance of the case, urging a time-bound probe and comprehensive support for the victim.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains steadfast on holding all perpetrators accountable under the law and implementing concrete measures to prevent such egregious acts from recurring. The collective conscience of Kolkata and the nation has been profoundly shaken, underscoring the urgent imperative for a resolute response to safeguard the safety and dignity of every student on campus.
