Kolkata | June 28, 2025 By Tamsil Shahezad Khan - A horrifying case of alleged gang rape inside a law college in Kolkata has triggered widespread public outrage and ignited a fierce political controversy, as medical reports confirmed signs of physical assault on the 24-year-old survivor. The case has gained additional notoriety due to the main accused's past affiliations with the ruling Trinamool Congress party, intensifying scrutiny over institutional accountability and political connections.
The Incident
The assault took place on the evening of June 25 at South Calcutta Law College, where the survivor, a law student, alleges she was sexually assaulted by three men. The primary accused, Manojit Mishra, is an alumnus with documented ties to the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress party.
According to the survivor's detailed police complaint, the attack occurred shortly after a TMCP meeting around 7:30 pm. She stated that two men forcibly dragged her into a room where a third perpetrator raped her while the others stood guard. During the prolonged assault, she was struck on the head with a hockey stick, suffered multiple panic attacks, and faced repeated threats against her family if she reported the crime.
"I touched his feet and begged him to let me go," the survivor told police, describing the traumatic three-hour ordeal that continued until approximately 10:50 pm, when she was finally released under threats to maintain silence.
Medical Evidence Confirms Assault
The survivor underwent comprehensive medical examination at the National Medical College on June 26. The medical report documented visible abrasions on her neck and chest, corroborating her account of physical violence. While doctors noted no visible genital or oral injuries, forensic samples were collected for laboratory analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
A routine pregnancy test returned negative results, and additional forensic tests are currently being processed by authorities.
Investigation and Arrests
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Assistant Commissioner of Kolkata Police has taken charge of the case. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the assault: the three alleged perpetrators, including Mishra and two current students, along with a college security guard whose testimony investigators described as "incoherent and inconsistent."
CCTV footage reportedly places the security guard near the crime scene during the time of the assault. Police believe the attack occurred in the guard's room, which had allegedly been commandeered by the accused. Both the room and the adjacent student union office have been sealed as part of the investigation.
Political Ramifications
The case has erupted into a major political flashpoint, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Trinamool Congress of attempting to shield the accused due to his political connections. Photographs circulating on social media platforms show Mishra posing alongside senior TMC leaders, including Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee, who serves as the party's general secretary and is the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
While the TMC has acknowledged Mishra's previous association with its student organization, party leadership has publicly distanced itself from him. A TMC spokesperson characterized the incident as "deeply disturbing" and provided assurances that the party would not protect anyone involved in such serious criminal activities.
The political opposition has seized upon the case to question the ruling party's commitment to women's safety and institutional accountability, particularly given the accused's documented presence at party events and meetings.
Public Response and Protests
The case has galvanized public sentiment across Kolkata, sparking demonstrations and protests throughout the city. Student organizations, women's rights activists, and civil society groups have demanded swift justice and comprehensive institutional reforms to prevent similar incidents.
The survivor's testimony, particularly her emotional account of pleading for mercy during the assault, has resonated deeply with protesters and the broader public. Many see the case as emblematic of broader systemic failures in protecting women within educational institutions.
"This isn't just about one college or one party," declared a protester gathered outside the college gates. "This is about how our institutions systematically fail to protect young women, even in spaces that should be dedicated to learning and justice."
## Institutional Accountability
The incident has raised serious questions about campus security protocols and the influence of political student organizations within educational institutions. Critics argue that the alleged takeover of a security guard's room by politically connected students highlights dangerous gaps in institutional oversight.
College administrators have faced mounting pressure to explain how such an incident could occur on campus premises and what measures will be implemented to prevent future occurrences. The sealing of both the crime scene and student union office has disrupted normal college operations and heightened tensions within the academic community.
Broader Context
This case emerges against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about women's safety in West Bengal and across India. Campus sexual violence has become a recurring issue at educational institutions nationwide, prompting calls for stronger preventive measures and faster judicial processes.
The political dimensions of this particular case have added complexity to what advocates argue should be a straightforward matter of criminal justice. The intersection of student politics, institutional authority, and sexual violence has created a volatile situation that extends far beyond the college campus.
Looking Ahead
With forensic reports still pending and political pressure mounting from multiple directions, the case has placed significant scrutiny on both the Kolkata Police and state government officials. While the state administration has not yet issued a direct statement regarding the incident, the controversy is expected to have lasting implications for West Bengal's political landscape.
The Special Investigation Team continues its probe as the case prepares to move through the judicial system. Legal experts anticipate that the high-profile nature of the case, combined with its political ramifications, will likely expedite court proceedings.
As investigations continue and public attention remains focused on this disturbing case, the survivor's courage in coming forward and the subsequent demand for accountability have become central to a city-wide conversation about institutional responsibility, political influence, and the fundamental right to safety within educational spaces.
The outcome of this case may well serve as a watershed moment for how educational institutions, political organizations, and law enforcement agencies address the intersection of campus safety and political influence in West Bengal and beyond.
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