The Crossbill Team
Massive protests have erupted in south Kolkata following the alleged gang-rape of a law student on the evening of June 25 at South Calcutta Law College.
The incident has triggered public outrage and drawn comparisons to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College last year, which sparked state-wide protests.
Three individuals, including two current students and a former student identified as Manojit Mishra, have been arrested and remanded to five days of police custody. Mishra, who is also a staffer at the college, has been linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) student wing and is believed to have close ties to TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee.
A large banner featuring Banerjee at the college entrance was torn down by demonstrators as anger intensified on campus.
Reports from local media suggest that Mishra has been previously named in 20 to 30 complaints, some involving allegations of sexual harassment, raising serious concerns over institutional inaction.
The National Commission for Women has written to the Kolkata Police Commissioner seeking details on the case and follow-up action.
Meanwhile, the TMC, in a statement on X, said it “unequivocally condemns” the incident.
“We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at South Calcutta Law College. Kolkata Police 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,” the party stated.
The TMC also criticised the central government, accusing it of stalling the implementation of the “Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill” passed by the West Bengal Assembly, which proposes capital punishment for rape convicts.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the profound trauma endured by the victim. The State Administration, under Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee, is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance to the victim during this distressing time. Justice will be served,” the party wrote.
Protests have intensified across the city. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its affiliated student and youth wings—SFI and DYFI—held demonstrations outside the Kasba police station, demanding justice.
The situation escalated as police resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters, injuring several activists including women and students. Three protestors have been detained at Kasba police station, while others were reportedly taken to Lalbazar.
Members of Abhaya Mancha also joined the protest, standing in solidarity with the Left student and youth organizations. Demonstrations continue both at the college and across the city, with protesters alleging a climate of impunity and political protection surrounding the accused.
The incident has triggered public outrage and drawn comparisons to the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College last year, which sparked state-wide protests.
Three individuals, including two current students and a former student identified as Manojit Mishra, have been arrested and remanded to five days of police custody. Mishra, who is also a staffer at the college, has been linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress’s (TMC) student wing and is believed to have close ties to TMC national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee.
A large banner featuring Banerjee at the college entrance was torn down by demonstrators as anger intensified on campus.
Reports from local media suggest that Mishra has been previously named in 20 to 30 complaints, some involving allegations of sexual harassment, raising serious concerns over institutional inaction.
The National Commission for Women has written to the Kolkata Police Commissioner seeking details on the case and follow-up action.
Meanwhile, the TMC, in a statement on X, said it “unequivocally condemns” the incident.
“We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at South Calcutta Law College. Kolkata Police 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,” the party stated.
The TMC also criticised the central government, accusing it of stalling the implementation of the “Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill” passed by the West Bengal Assembly, which proposes capital punishment for rape convicts.
“Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the profound trauma endured by the victim. The State Administration, under Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee, is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance to the victim during this distressing time. Justice will be served,” the party wrote.
Protests have intensified across the city. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) and its affiliated student and youth wings—SFI and DYFI—held demonstrations outside the Kasba police station, demanding justice.
The situation escalated as police resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters, injuring several activists including women and students. Three protestors have been detained at Kasba police station, while others were reportedly taken to Lalbazar.
Members of Abhaya Mancha also joined the protest, standing in solidarity with the Left student and youth organizations. Demonstrations continue both at the college and across the city, with protesters alleging a climate of impunity and political protection surrounding the accused.
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