A female student was allegedly gang-raped inside a reputed law college in Kolkata’s Kasba neighbourhood on the night of 25 June, prompting shock and outrage across West Bengal. The police arrested three accused—two former students and one current staff member—within 24 hours.The assault allegedly took place on the evening of June 25 inside the college campus in Kasba. Three men — Manojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20) — have been arrested in connection with the crime.Also read: Student raped on law college premises; staffer among 3 arrestedAccording to police, the accused, all either former students or associated with the college, took the victim to a secluded room where the assault occurred between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm. The police acted swiftly, arresting two suspects within 24 hours and the third later that night. The three have been remanded in police custody until July 1 for further investigation.The BJP has accused the TMC of fostering a culture of impunity, alleging involvement of a Trinamool-linked student leader. In response, the TMC condemned the assault but also criticised the Centre for not supporting anti-rape legislation.
Here are the key points:
What happened?
A female student was allegedly gang-raped on the evening of June 25 inside South Calcutta Law College. She was reportedly lured into a room near the student union area and assaulted by three individuals. One of them, as per the FIR, committed penetrative assault, while the other two aided in the crime.
Who are the accused?
Police identified the accused as Manojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay. All three were either former students or associated with the institution. Mishra has also been linked by BJP to the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the TMC.
When were the accused arrested?
Mishra and Ahmed were arrested on June 26 evening near Talbagan Crossing. Mukhopadhyay was picked up from his home in the early hours of June 27. Their mobile phones were seized, and a forensic examination of the crime scene was carried out.
Police action and medical evidence
The police registered the case swiftly the victim’s family filed a complaint. She was taken to Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC) for a preliminary medical examination. Statements from key witnesses were recorded. “The court has granted police custody till July 1, 2025,” said Kolkata Police Chief Prosecutor Sourin Ghosal.
NCW takes cognisance
The NCW has taken suo moto cognisance. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Kolkata Police Commissioner, urging a time-bound probe. She requested full support for the victim, including medical and psychological care, legal assistance, and compensation under Section 396 of BNSS.
BJP’s charge against TMC
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya claimed, “Under Mamata Banerjee’s rule, West Bengal has become a nightmare for women. Rape has turned into a routine tragedy.” He further alleged that one of the accused was a TMCP leader and questioned how such a crime could occur within a college premises, implying institutional complicity. In a strongly worded social media post, Malviya wrote, “Another shameful chapter has been added to Bengal’s collapsing law and order... the main accused? Manojit — a former student and TMCP member.” He questioned the college’s role, asking how no one intervened when the victim cried for help, and vowed BJP would raise the issue at every level.
Justice will be served: TMC defence
In its statement, the TMC condemned the incident and affirmed that justice would be ensured. “All three accused have been swiftly apprehended. The State Administration… is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance,” said the party. It also used the moment to advocate for its Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill.
What the college administration said
South Calcutta Law College Vice-Principal Nayna Chatterji said only, “I have heard that the police had come here and after that, a student has been arrested… a meeting will be held on Monday.”
