Kolkata is reeling from a horrific crime that occurred on June 25: a female law student was allegedly gang-raped inside her college in South Kolkata. The incident, which took place in a guardroom near the Students’ Union office, has sparked outrage across the state.
Three accused — two senior students and one former student, Monojit Mishra, who is also a lawyer — have been arrested. Mishra reportedly held a temporary non-teaching position at the college and is linked to the student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The accused allegedly filmed the assault and used the video to threaten the survivor into silence.
The police arrested all three from Talbagan and produced them in court, which remanded them to police custody till July 1. Their mobile phones have been seized for forensic investigation, and two rooms in the college have been sealed. CCTV footage from the college and surrounding areas is being reviewed.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident and written to the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, demanding an urgent and time-bound report within three days. The NCW has expressed serious concern over the safety of women in educational institutions.
(Official NCW Suo Motu Statement on Kolkata College Gangrape Case – )
Public anger intensified after Mishra was identified as a TMC student leader. Protests erupted across Kolkata, especially outside Kasba Police Station, where the case was registered. Left-backed student organisations and Congress workers held demonstrations demanding justice, but were forcibly removed by police.
Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the ruling government. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said,
“The TMC is protecting such predators. Crimes against women are rising even with a woman Chief Minister at the helm.”
Adding to the political storm, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari shared photos showing Monojit Mishra with senior TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, further fueling accusations of political shielding.
This case comes in the wake of another horrific crime. The recent murder of a woman doctor in Kolkata has raised urgent questions about the deteriorating state of women’s safety in West Bengal. As investigations continue, the focus remains on accountability, both institutional and political.
