Kolkata: In a deeply disturbing incident, a law student was allegedly gang-raped inside a college campus in South Kolkata’s Kasba area. Police have arrested three accused, including two current students and one former student of the same law college.
Incident Occurred on June 25
According to the complaint filed by the survivor, the assault took place on the evening of June 25 between 7:30 pm and 8:50 pm. The survivor alleged that she was overpowered and dragged into the guardroom, where she was sexually assaulted by Monojit Mishra — the main accused.
The other two accused allegedly stood guard and facilitated the crime. The guardroom has been sealed by the police. Forensic teams have collected evidence from the site.
Accused Linked to TMC’s Youth Wing
Monojit Mishra, the prime accused, is reportedly a former president of the Trinamool Congress’ (TMC) student wing in the college. He currently practices as a criminal lawyer in Alipore court. His social media profiles also reflect political involvement with the TMC youth unit.
Mobile phones of all three accused have been seized. Police are currently verifying digital evidence and CCTV footage from the area.
Political Reactions Spark War of Words
Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, criticized the TMC government, calling the state “unsafe for women.” He referenced a similar 2024 Case involving a junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College, and accused the state of repeatedly failing its women.
Responding to this, TMC spokesperson Jay Prakash Majumdar condemned politicizing the incident. He stressed the need for a united front against such crimes, rather than “political point scoring.”
Trinankur Bhattacharjee, state president of the TMCP, acknowledged that Mishra may have once been affiliated with the student wing but said, “He never held any active position.” He demanded the “strictest punishment” for those proven guilty.
Pattern of Crimes Against Women in West Bengal
This case comes less than a year after the brutal rape and murder of a medical trainee at RG Kar Medical College. In that case, Sanjay Roy, a civic volunteer with Kolkata Police, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The back-to-back incidents have renewed concerns over women’s safety in educational institutions across the state. Students and women’s rights groups have demanded urgent reforms in campus security and strict implementation of anti-sexual violence policies.
Next Steps in Investigation
The three accused were presented in court on Friday. The police are seeking custody for further interrogation. Senior officers have assured that the case will be investigated with “zero tolerance for procedural lapses.”
Forensic reports and digital evidence will play a critical role in the proceedings. The college administration has not issued any statement yet but is expected to do so soon.
