In a significant development in the shocking alleged gang-rape case involving a law student in Kolkata, the West Bengal Police today announced the arrest of a security guard from the South Calcutta Law College. This arrest marks the fourth individual taken into custody in connection with the horrific incident, which has sent ripples of concern across educational institutions and ignited a fierce debate about campus safety.
The security guard, whose identity has not yet been publicly released by authorities, was apprehended this morning. While details surrounding his direct involvement are still emerging, preliminary reports suggest he is being investigated for alleged negligence in duty and failing to intervene or report the incident despite the victim’s pleas for help. His arrest follows the earlier apprehension of three other individuals: Manojit Mishra, a 31-year-old former student and currently an ad-hoc staffer at the college, and two current students, 19-year-old Zaib Ahmed and 20-year-old Pramit Mukherjee. All three were taken into custody on Thursday and have been remanded to police custody until July 1.
The alleged incident took place on Wednesday evening at the South Calcutta Law College in the city’s Kasba area. According to the 24-year-old law student’s complaint, she was allegedly lured to the campus under the pretext of being offered a key position in the student union. She was then reportedly subjected to sexual assault in the security guards’ room of the college. Her complaint detailed a harrowing ordeal, including threats of video recordings of the incident and physical assault when she resisted. She was only reportedly released after pleading that she was experiencing a panic attack.
The victim’s father picked her up from the college later that night, and a police complaint was filed the following day. Medical examinations conducted at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital have reportedly corroborated her allegations, confirming injuries consistent with sexual assault. Police have also been recording statements from witnesses and have seized the mobile phones of the arrested individuals for forensic analysis. Investigations are also reportedly looking into any potential involvement of other staff or students, and whether previous complaints against Manojit Mishra, who allegedly has past links to a political student wing and a history of disciplinary issues, were suppressed due to political connections.
The case has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked a political outcry in West Bengal, with opposition parties accusing the ruling government of failing to ensure the safety of women and highlighting the alleged political affiliations of one of the prime accused. The incident has also reignited critical discussions about the adequacy of security measures in educational institutions and the need for stricter protocols to prevent such heinous crimes on campus. Campus safety advocates are calling for immediate and comprehensive reviews of security arrangements, background checks for all staff, and robust mechanisms for addressing complaints of sexual harassment and assault to ensure a safe and secure environment for all students.