Kolkata Law Student Gang-Raped on Campus, Four Arrested

Shocking Assault at Kolkata Law College

On 25 June, a 24-year-old female law student was allegedly gang-raped inside South Calcutta Law College by three men—an alumnus and two current students—while a campus security guard reportedly enabled the crime.

The incident occurred in the college’s guardroom, after the main accused, Monojit Mishra, allegedly lured the student under the pretext of a political meeting and later confined her inside the premises.

According to her complaint, the woman suffered a panic attack during the initial confrontation. Mishra instructed one of his associates, Zaid Ahmed, to fetch an inhaler.

After using it, she attempted to leave but found the college gate locked. She was then forcibly dragged to another room by Ahmed and co-accused Promit Mukherjee, while Mishra allegedly committed the assault and the others recorded the incident on video.

Evidence Confirms Survivor’s Account

Police have confirmed that CCTV footage from the college supports the survivor’s allegations. It shows the victim being forcibly taken to the guardroom, as well as interactions with the security guard, who has since been arrested. The inhaler used during the incident was traced to a nearby pharmacy, where staff verified the purchase time. The video used to blackmail the survivor was found on Mishra’s phone and is now part of the evidence.

The woman’s statement was recorded before a magistrate and she underwent two medical examinations. Police have also seized the clothes worn by the accused and the survivor on the day of the assault. Several students present on campus that day are now being questioned as part of the investigation.

Legal and Political Fallout

The assault comes less than a year after the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, raising fresh concerns about campus safety in West Bengal. Mishra is reportedly affiliated with the youth wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties.

While the TMC has vowed strict action regardless of political connections, conflicting statements from party members have sparked outrage. MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra made remarks perceived as victim-blaming, suggesting the woman should not have been on campus at that time.

The party later distanced itself from these views, with MP Mahua Moitra publicly condemning the comments and calling for accountability.

Mishra Accused of Past Offences

The case has triggered further allegations against Monojit Mishra. A second female student from the same law college has now accused Mishra of molesting her and threatening her during a college trip two years ago. She claims he intimidated her into silence by threatening her family.

She also alleged that Mishra harassed multiple female students on campus and enjoyed protection from Trinamool Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Deb, who also chairs the college board.

Despite previous police complaints against him, action was allegedly stalled due to Mishra’s political influence. Former classmates described him as a habitual offender who frequently harassed girls in the TMCP-run union office.

Special Investigation Underway

A five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by an assistant commissioner, is now handling the case. Police are expected to request an extension of custody for the four accused—Mishra, Mukherjee, Ahmed, and the security guard—who were presented in court this week.

SIT Logo, Photo for Illustration Purposes Only

The college has been shut indefinitely, and public anger continues to grow. Protests have erupted across the state, with the BJP organizing a march that was stopped by police. BJP president JP Nadda has formed a four-member fact-finding team to investigate the incident.

Meanwhile, the National Commission for Women has visited the college and is monitoring the progress of the investigation. The case underscores urgent calls for improved campus security and swift justice for survivors of sexual violence.