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On June 25, 2025, a horrific incident at South Calcutta Law College shook the city of Kolkata. A 24-year-old law student was allegedly gang-raped on campus, with the primary accused, Monojit Mishra, linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) student wing. The medical examination revealed chilling details, including abrasion marks around the victim’s neck and chest, pointing to severe physical assault. This case has sparked widespread outrage, protests, and political debates, highlighting issues of campus safety, political influence, and justice for survivors of sexual violence. This article provides a comprehensive, human-friendly overview of the case, its developments, and its broader implications.
The Incident: What Happened?
The survivor, a first-year law student, alleged that she was lured to the college campus under the pretense of being offered a key position in the student union. Instead, she was subjected to a brutal assault. According to reports, Monojit Mishra, a 31-year-old former student and non-teaching staff member at the college, was the main perpetrator. Two current students, Zaib Ahmed (19) and Pramit Mukherjee (20), allegedly assisted by locking the door, while a security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, was later arrested for his involvement.
The survivor reported that Mishra proposed marriage to her, which she rejected, citing an existing relationship. Following her refusal, Mishra allegedly assaulted her, with the attack taking place in the college’s guard room. The survivor experienced a panic attack and requested medical attention, which was denied by the accused. She later filed an FIR on June 26, 2025, leading to the arrests of the four individuals involved.
Medical Evidence: Marks Around the Neck
The medical examination conducted at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital provided critical evidence. The report confirmed:
- Abrasion marks around the neck: Indicating possible strangulation or physical restraint.
- Marks on the chest and private parts: Suggesting severe physical assault.
- Signs of forceful penetration: Confirming the allegations of sexual assault.
- Bite marks and nail scratches: Further evidence of the violent nature of the attack.
While the report noted no laceration marks, it explicitly stated that sexual assault could not be ruled out. Three swab tests were conducted, and CCTV footage recovered from the college corroborated the survivor’s account, strengthening the case against the accused.
Who is Monojit Mishra?
Monojit Mishra, also known as “Mango,” is a former student of South Calcutta Law College and a practicing criminal lawyer. He was employed as a temporary faculty member at the college due to a staff shortage. Mishra has a troubling history of alleged misconduct, including:
- Harassment and assault: Former classmates and juniors reported that Mishra had a pattern of sexually abusive behavior, including circulating morphed images of women, body-shaming, and filming private moments without consent.
- Previous charges: He has been chargesheeted for harassment, assault, theft, and property damage, including a 2022 incident in Kasba and a 2024 assault on a college security guard.
- Political connections: Mishra was a former leader of the TMC’s student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), though the party claims he was expelled in 2021. Social media images show him with senior TMC leaders, including MP Abhishek Banerjee, raising allegations of political patronage.
Despite multiple complaints, no significant action was taken against Mishra, allowing him to maintain influence on campus. Students have described him as a “terror” who used his political connections to evade accountability.
Investigation and Arrests
The Kolkata Police acted swiftly after the FIR was filed. Key developments include:
- Arrests: Monojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukherjee were arrested on June 26, 2025, followed by Pinaki Banerjee on June 28. The accused were sent to police custody until July 1.
- Special Investigation Team (SIT): A dedicated team was formed to probe the case, focusing on Mishra’s history and the college’s administrative lapses.
- CCTV Footage: Video evidence from the college campus, including a recording from Mishra’s phone, confirmed the survivor’s allegations.
- Public Protests: The incident sparked citywide protests, with students and activists demanding justice. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized marches, some of which led to detentions.
The case has also reignited debates about campus safety, with CCTV cameras installed at the college post-incident to prevent future occurrences.
Political Controversy
The case has become a flashpoint in West Bengal’s political landscape. The opposition BJP has accused the TMC of shielding Mishra due to his past affiliation with the party. Photographs of Mishra with TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, have fueled these allegations. The TMC, in response, issued a statement condemning the incident and distancing itself from Mishra, claiming he was no longer associated with the party. However, public skepticism remains, with many questioning why Mishra faced no consequences for earlier complaints.
The controversy intensified when TMC leader Kalyan Banerjee made a controversial remark, suggesting that “if a friend rapes his friend, what can be done?” This statement drew sharp criticism from both the BJP and TMC’s own ranks, with MP Mohua Moitra publicly disagreeing with Banerjee’s comments.
Societal Impact and Calls for Change
The Kolkata rape case has highlighted several systemic issues:
- Campus Safety: The incident underscores the need for stricter safety measures in educational institutions, including functional CCTV systems, trained security personnel, and robust complaint mechanisms.
- Political Influence: Mishra’s alleged impunity due to his TMC connections raises concerns about political interference in addressing sexual violence.
- Survivor Support: The case emphasizes the importance of providing immediate medical and psychological support to survivors, as well as ensuring their safety during legal proceedings.
- Accountability: The college administration’s failure to act on prior complaints against Mishra has sparked demands for greater accountability in educational institutions.
Protests, including those linked to the “Reclaim the Night” movement, reflect growing public frustration with sexual violence and institutional failures. Students have expressed fear about campus safety, particularly in environments dominated by politically connected individuals.
The Road to Justice
The ongoing investigation aims to deliver justice to the survivor. The SIT is examining Mishra’s criminal history, the role of his accomplices, and the college’s negligence. Legal experts suggest that the evidence, including medical reports and CCTV footage, strengthens the case against the accused. However, challenges remain, including ensuring a fair trial amidst political pressures and protecting the survivor from further trauma.
The case also draws parallels to the 2024 RG Kar rape-murder case, where Mishra had ironically demanded the death penalty for the accused. This hypocrisy has further fueled public outrage, with many calling for severe punishment if the accused are found guilty.
How Can Society Respond?
The Kolkata rape case is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of sexual violence and the need for collective action. Here are some steps society can take:
- Strengthen Campus Safety: Implement mandatory safety audits, install CCTV cameras, and train staff to handle complaints effectively.
- Encourage Reporting: Create anonymous reporting mechanisms to ensure survivors feel safe coming forward.
- Hold Institutions Accountable: Universities and colleges must act swiftly on complaints of harassment or assault, regardless of the accused’s affiliations.
- Support Survivors: Provide counseling, legal aid, and protection to survivors to help them navigate the aftermath of such incidents.
- Raise Awareness: Educate students and staff about consent, gender sensitivity, and the consequences of sexual violence.
Conclusion
The Kolkata rape case involving Monojit Mishra is a tragic reminder of the challenges in ensuring safety and justice in educational institutions. The medical evidence of marks around the survivor’s neck and other injuries underscores the brutality of the assault, while Mishra’s history of misconduct highlights systemic failures. As the investigation continues, the case serves as a call to action for stronger safety measures, institutional accountability, and societal change. The survivor’s courage in coming forward inspires hope that justice will prevail, paving the way for a safer future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information from news sources and does not claim to present conclusive legal evidence. The details provided are intended for informational purposes and reflect ongoing developments as of June 29, 2025. The case is under investigation, and all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Readers are encouraged to verify information through official channels and respect the privacy and dignity of the survivor.