KOLKATA: A student was allegedly raped inside the premises of a Kolkata-based law college on the night of June 25, leading to the arrest of three men, two students and a staff member who is also an alumnus of the institution.
Police identified the accused as Manojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay alias Pramit Mukherjee (20).
According to FIR, one of them committed penetrative sexual assault while the others abetted the crime.
All three were named in the FIR filed based on the survivor’s complaint.
Assault took place inside campus between 7:30pm and 10:50pm
The incident reportedly occurred between 7:30pm and 10:50pm on June 25 at a location inside the college premises.
Following the complaint, the victim underwent a preliminary medical examination at Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC).
Several witnesses were questioned, and their statements recorded. The spot was secured and preserved for forensic examination.
Manojit and Zaib were arrested on June 26 around 7:20pm and 7:35pm respectively near Siddhartha Shankar Sishu Roy Udyan at Talbagan Crossing, and their mobile phones were seized.
The third accused, Pramit, was taken into custody from his residence in the early hours of June 27.
His phone was also confiscated.
All three were produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court in Alipore, South 24 Parganas, on Thursday. The court sent them to four days of police custody for further investigation.
NCW takes cognisance
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognisance of the incident and urged the West Bengal Police to conduct a thorough and time-bound investigation, ensuring justice for the survivor.
Justice will be served, says TMCLater in the day, the ruling TMC issued a statement condemning 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 said in a post on X.
"This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments. It is extremely unfortunate that the BJP govt at the Centre has not lifted a finger to get it implemented."
"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the profound trauma endured by the victim. The state administration, under CM Mamata Banerjee is committed to providing every possible form of support and assistance to the victim during this distressing time. Justice will be served," it said.
(The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)