Know Full Story, Legal Action & Wider Implications
What Unfolded on June 25?
On the evening of June 25, 2025, between 7:30 PM and 10:50 PM, a 24-year-old female LLB student faced a brutal gang-rape on the premises of South Calcutta Law College. The assault took place in the college’s guard room, where perpetrators allegedly lured the victim inside.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Key Event |
| June 25 | Victim assaulted inside the campus guard room |
| June 26 | Victim filed a police complaint at Kasba Police Station |
| June 27 | Police arrested all three accused |
| July 1 | Accused produced before Alipore court and remanded to police custody |
The Three Accused
| Name | Age | Background & Connection to Incident |
| Manojit Mishra | 31 | Former student; working on a contract job in the college. Allegedly proposed to victim and threatened her when refused. |
| Zaib Ahmed | 19 | Currently studying law at the same college. |
| Pramit Mukherjee | 20 | Another current LLB student at the college. |
Legal Charges Filed Against the Accused
Authorities charged the men under multiple sections:
- Section 376D (IPC): Gang rape
- Section 342 (IPC): Wrongful confinement
- Section 506 (IPC): Criminal intimidation
- Section 67 (IT Act): Illegal recording and threat via obscene digital content
All three phones were seized and sent for forensic analysis. Investigators have also ensured the victim’s videos (if any) remain confidential.
Campus Security Breakdown
This incident has exposed alarming lapses in campus safety:
- No CCTV cameras in and around the guard room area
- Security guards reportedly overpowered and forced outside
- Previous student and teacher complaints noted unchecked access to guard rooms
- Guard rooms reportedly used for informal meetings, not actual security purposes
Campus Politics & Power Abuse
- Manojit Mishra previously led the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the ruling TMC. Though not active now, his past ties raised concerns about political intimidation.
- Reports show TMCP-linked students have been accused of harassing teachers since 2017, including physical attacks in 2019.
- Such influence raises questions about political overreach in educational institutions.
NCW Response & Public Outcry
National Commission for Women (NCW):
Chairperson Rekha Sharma took suo motu action and demanded:
- A detailed report from West Bengal Police
- Immediate arrests and custody
- Protection and psychological care for the victim
Public reaction:
- Social media erupted with hashtags #JusticeForLawStudent, #TMCShame
- Students and citizens marched in Kolkata, holding protests and candlelight vigils
- Women’s groups demanded campus safety audits, institutional reforms, and a ban on political activity in universities
Why This Case Matters: The Bigger Picture
- Campus safety crisis: The incident is part of a disturbing trend of sexual violence and power misuse in educational institutions.
- Political interference: Student organizations linked to political parties often intimidate students and faculty with impunity.
- Rule of law in question: Critics ask whether political dominance is weakening law enforcement in West Bengal.
- Impact on women’s education: Fear from such crimes discourages parents from sending daughters to college, reducing female participation.
Institutional Negligence: Where Did It Go Wrong?
- Lack of security infrastructure: No cameras and inadequate guard supervision in private areas
- Ignored warnings: Faculty and students previously flagged security concerns, but no steps followed
- Guard misuse: Guard rooms became meeting spots for student groups rather than serving security functions
The Way Forward: Demands & Reforms
- Better surveillance (CCTV coverage in sensitive zones)
- Clearer responsibility for security personnel
- Ban on political activities inside educational premises
- Independent audits of campus safety measures
- Strict enforcement of Rule of Law irrespective of political backgrounds
FAQs
Q: Why was the guard room chosen as the crime scene?
It lacked surveillance and was secluded, making it the ideal spot for the accused to isolate the victim.
Q: Did the accused threaten the victim?
Yes, they recorded the assault and threatened to leak the video or plant false cases against her and her family if she spoke out.
Q: How did the victim report it?
Despite threats, she filed a formal complaint at Kasba Police Station on June 26, which led to arrests on June 27.
Q: What charges are involved?
The accused face charges under sections 376D, 342, 506 of IPC, and Section 67 of the IT Act, covering rape, confinement, intimidation, and illegal recording.
Q: What protections are in place for the victim?
Police confiscated all evidence, and NCW has demanded full protection and psychological support for her.
Final Views
The South Calcutta Law College gang-rape is more than a standalone crime. It highlights systemic failures—from security infrastructure and psychological trauma to political influence and impunity. A comprehensive overhaul of campus safety, clear accountability for college administrations, and zero tolerance for intimidation are critical to ensuring no student is unsafe on campus.
#JusticeForLawStudent | #CampusSafetyNow | #EndCampusPolitics
