Kolkata Law College Gang-Rape Case: Legal Overview & Ongoing Developments

📌 What Happened?

On June 25, 2025, a 24-year-old first-year student at South Calcutta Law College, Kasba, Kolkata, was allegedly gang-raped in a guardroom on campus grounds between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm. CCTV footage reportedly confirms the victim was forced inside, supporting her written complaint.

A special investigation team (SIT), led by ACP Pradip Kumar Ghosal, has been formed to probe the case.

🔍 Arrests & Accused

So far, four individuals have been arrested:

1. Manojit Mishra – former student & temporary faculty
2. Pramit Mukherjee – senior student
3. Zaib Ahmed – current student (co-accused)
4. Security guard – arrested after CCTV and incoherent testimony

Zaib’s father has claimed his son was “charmed by access to netas” like Mishra, complicating matters.

🧪 Forensic & CCTV Evidence

A medical examination confirmed forceful penetration, bite marks, and nail scratches. The guard’s room, student union space, and a washroom were all examined for evidence. CCTV footage between 3:30 pm and 10:50 pm indicates the crime was pre-meditated. Physical evidence—hair strands, a hockey stick, and bottles—are undergoing forensic analysis.

🏛️ Legal Response & Court Action

A local advocate has petitioned the Calcutta High Court to take suo motu cognizance of the incident, urging a court-monitored investigation and preferably a CBI probe. He emphasized the crime was premeditated, politically motivated, and brutally executed within a law educational institution—a “den of justice.”

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken suo motu action, writing to the Kolkata Police commissioner and demanding a time-bound report within three days, along with compensation under BNSS law.

📣 Public & Political Fallout

The case sparked protests and massive public outrage. BJP leaders, including Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar, attempted a rally to the college but were detained by police. BJP formed its own four-member inquiry panel under JP Nadda to investigate further . TMC-politically linked students’ roles are under close scrutiny, with BJP alleging collusion.

⚖️ Legal & Institutional Implications

1. Campus Security Failures: The involvement of a security guard and isolated crime location suggest serious lapses in safety protocols and institutional oversight.
2. Power-Dynamics: Alleged links to political figures raise questions about misuse of influence within academic spaces.
3. Judicial Oversight: HC’s suo motu petition and NCW action signal limited trust in local mechanisms and demand for wider oversight.
4. CBI Investigations: Should the court approve, taking the case to CBI can strengthen trust and cross-state jurisdiction.

✅ Next Steps Ahead

• SIT to complete investigation, leading to formal charges under Indian Penal Code Sections 376 (rape), 341 (wrongful restraint), and 506 (criminal intimidation).
• Forensic labs to deliver comprehensive DNA and evidence reports.
• Calcutta High Court review of suo motu petition, and potential CBI handover.
• NCW compensation and protection measures for the survivor.
• Campus reforms to improve safety protocols and accountability in educational institutions.

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