3 Held for Gangrape of Law Student in Kolkata College; NCW Seeks Report, BJP-TMC in Slugfest

Kolkata: Three persons including a Trinamul Congress leader, who claimed to be a criminal lawyer, were arrested by the Kolkata Police on Thursday night for allegedly gangraping a law student at South Calcutta Law College in the city.

The accused are Manojit Mishra, Pramit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed. Manojit was the chhatra parishad president of the TMC at the college when he studied there. He is also a South Kolkata TMC (chhatra parishad) general secretary and a criminal lawyer at the Alipore Court, according to his social media profile. Recently, Manojit was recruited at the college as a contractual staff on the recommendation of the governing body presided by TMC leader Ashok Deb.

Pramit and Zaib are students of the college. The victim had visited her college at around 4 pm on June 25 to fill up an examination form but was asked by Manojit to wait till the evening, which she did. She along with seven other students were later taken to the union room where Manojit gave them a lecture.

In her complaint to Kasba police station on June 26, the law student alleged that Manojit, Pramit and Zaib forcibly took her to the guard room after locking the main gate, raped her in turn between 7.30 pm and 10.50 pm and filmed videos of their act.

The victim claimed that she begged them for mercy, but was not spared. According to her, she was subjected to the horror because Manojit wanted to marry her but she refused his proposal as she has been in a relationship.

Manojit then threatened to harm her boyfriend and frame her parents in false cases. By Thursday night, the accused trio were arrested by the cops. Meanwhile, the victim underwent a medical test at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital.

On Friday Kolkata Police said an FIR was registered without delay, and within 12 hours, all three accused named in the complaint were apprehended. They have been remanded to police custody till July 1.

It added, “The investigation is being pursued with utmost seriousness, professionalism, and sensitivity. We appeal to the public and digital platforms to refrain from circulating unverified or misleading content that could hinder the judicial process or compromise the dignity of those involved.”

Taking suo moto cognisance of the crime, the National Commission for Women (NCW) sought a report from Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma. It added that chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Kolkata commissioner of police directing an immediate, time-bound investigation. She also stressed the need to extend full medical, psychological, and legal assistance to the victim, along with compensation.

Posting photos of the accused TMC leader with top party leaders, BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya alleged on his X handle that Manojit had direct links with TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, who is Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephed; councillor Kajari Banerjee (her sister-in-law) and state minister Chandrima Bhattacharya.

He also alleged, “Shocking reports suggest that college authorities were instructed to lock the gates while the crime was taking place! Who gave Manojit this impunity? Who shielded him? This is not just a crime. This is a cover-up of the highest order. TMC is a party of rapists and protectors of rapists. We will not allow political power to bury this crime. We will not allow Mamata Banerjee’s regime to silence the voice of justice. The BJP stands firmly with the victim. We will fight relentlessly until justice is delivered.”

Coming under attack of the opposition, TMC stated, “We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at South Calcutta Law College. @KolkataPolice have swiftly apprehended all 3 accused, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear, ensuring the most severe measures are imposed on those found guilty.”

It said, “This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments. It is extremely unfortunate that the @BJP4India Govt. at the Centre has not lifted a finger to get it implemented.”