A chilling wave of fear has gripped a Kolkata college, with junior students alleging a reign of terror orchestrated by a former student, Monojit Mishra, known as "Mango". Mishra, the primary suspect in a recent gang-rape case within the college premises, is accused of displaying a history of psychopathic behavior and sexual violence, with former classmates coming forward to detail a pattern of harassment and assault.
The allegations paint a disturbing picture of unchecked power and a culture of impunity within the college. Students claim that Mishra, despite not being a current student, wielded considerable influence, particularly through his connections with the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress. It is alleged that those associated with the union felt entitled to engage in intimidating behavior, with students reporting that "posting obscene jokes and photos in groups was normal". Fear of reprisal allegedly kept many silent.
The recent rape case has brought these long-simmering concerns to the forefront. The survivor's complaint details a horrifying ordeal, alleging that Mishra lured her to the college under the guise of offering her a position in the student union. She claims that she was then pressured to marry Mishra and, upon refusing, was brutally assaulted. The complaint further alleges that the assault was filmed and that she was threatened with the release of the video if she spoke out.
The police have arrested Mishra, along with two current students, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, and a security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, in connection with the rape case. The arrests followed the filing of the survivor's First Information Report (FIR). A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident, and CCTV footage from the college is reportedly corroborating the survivor's allegations, showing the movements of the accused and the victim on the premises. Investigators have also collected forensic evidence from multiple locations on campus, including the student union room and the guard's room where the assault allegedly took place.
The incident has sparked outrage and protests, with many questioning how Mishra, despite his alleged history of misconduct, was able to maintain such influence within the college. Concerns are being raised about the safety and accountability within the college environment, and the alleged inaction of college authorities despite previous complaints. The TMCP has attempted to distance itself from Mishra, but students claim he was a close associate of the ruling party and held considerable sway within the college, even without holding an official position.
The case has also ignited a political storm, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of enabling a culture of impunity. The incident has raised broader questions about the role of student unions in colleges and universities, and the need to balance student democratic rights with the maintenance of discipline and safety. Some observers suggest that colleges often prioritize avoiding conflict over enforcing rules, leading to an environment where misconduct can flourish.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the survivor and addressing the systemic issues that allowed such an incident to occur. The allegations of a "psychopath 'Mango' terror" underscore the urgent need for colleges to prioritize student safety, address complaints of harassment and violence seriously, and ensure that all students can learn in a secure and respectful environment.
