A law student in Kolkata has alleged that she was gang-raped on the premises of her college, South Calcutta Law College, sparking outrage and political accusations. The incident allegedly occurred on June 25th at the college, located in the Kasba area of Kolkata. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the crime: two current students and one former student of the college.
According to reports, the victim has provided a statement to the police, and medical examinations have been conducted. Authorities have also seized the phones of the accused as part of their investigation. The arrests were made after a formal complaint was filed, leading to the apprehension of the two current students from the Talbagan area on Thursday evening.
The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who have criticized the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, citing a deteriorating law and order situation and a rise in crimes against women in the state. BJP leaders have alluded to a potential connection between one of the accused and the TMC, further intensifying the political ramifications of the case.
BJP leader Amit Malviya stated, "The horror of RG Kar hasn't faded, and yet such heinous crimes continue to rise daily in Bengal. Under Mamata Banerjee's rule, West Bengal has become a nightmare for women. Rape has turned into a routine tragedy. The BJP stands with the victim and her family. We are determined to end this culture of impunity. We will not rest until every culprit is punished." The reference to RG Kar alludes to a previous rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in August 2024, which also triggered a political storm.
The 2024 RG Kar case involved the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor on the college campus. The CBI investigation into that case concluded that it was not a gang rape, but it did point to a larger conspiracy and a cover-up.
The recent incident at the law college has further amplified concerns regarding student safety in Kolkata, particularly in the wake of the RG Kar case. The BJP has accused the TMC government of attempting to cover up the RG Kar case, and this new incident is likely to fuel further accusations and political clashes. Priyanka Tibrewal, a BJP West Bengal General Secretary, had previously accused the TMC government of a "possible cover up" in the RG Kar case.
The ABP News has reported that the BJP is determined to end the "culture of impunity" in West Bengal and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. The party has positioned itself as standing with the victim and her family, promising to fight for justice in the case. The investigation into the alleged gang-rape is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the police continue their inquiry.
