Kolkata, July 13, 2025: A shocking incident has rocked the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta. On July 12, a woman alleged that a final-year student raped her inside the boys’ hostel. The case has triggered public outrage, legal proceedings, and serious concerns over campus safety.
Institute Responds But Remains Guarded
IIM Calcutta issued a statement promising active engagement with students and immediate steps to address their concerns. Director-in-Charge Saibal Chattopadhyay said the institute is treating the case with “utmost seriousness.”
However, due to the ongoing investigation, the administration has not shared specific actions. Chattopadhyay admitted parents are anxious and called the situation “unprecedented.”
To ensure transparency, Kolkata Police formed a nine-member Special Investigation Team led by the Deputy Commissioner of the South West Division. This step came after student unrest and pressure from the public.
Accused Arrested Quickly
The police arrested Mahaveer Toppannavar, also known as Parmanand Jain, just hours after the woman filed her complaint. A final-year student at IIM Calcutta, he was taken into custody on July 12.
The Alipore court remanded him to police custody until July 19. During the hearing, the prosecution presented medical evidence supporting the woman’s claim. Chief Prosecutor Sourin Ghosal confirmed the preliminary investigation indicated a crime occurred.
Details of the Incident
According to the survivor, the accused invited her to the boys’ hostel. She alleged that he offered her pizza and a drink, both of which were spiked. She lost consciousness and later discovered she had been sexually assaulted.
Family of Accused Defends Him
The accused’s mother spoke to ANI, claiming her son was innocent. “He came to study, not to get involved in anything wrong,” she said. The family also expressed confusion about his sudden arrest, stating they received the news late at night from a friend.
Students Demand Accountability
Students on campus have started demanding reforms. They are pushing for stricter hostel entry rules, gender-sensitive policies, and greater transparency from the administration.
So far, the administration has only held internal discussions, which many students feel are insufficient and damaging to trust.
National Debate on Campus Safety
This incident has reignited national discussions around sexual assault in academic institutions. Women’s rights groups and student organizations are calling for unified safety frameworks across all universities and colleges.
A SAFAR spokesperson said, “This is a call to create national safety standards—not just for IIM Calcutta, but for every co-ed campus in India.”
Swift Justice Demanded
All eyes are now on the SIT investigation. Legal experts warn that delays may trigger protests and damage IIM Calcutta’s reputation. Authorities have urged the public and media to avoid speculation as the inquiry continues.