The recent alleged gang rape of a law student inside Kolkata's South Calcutta Law College has ignited fresh concerns about campus safety in West Bengal, particularly for women. This incident, occurring within a year of a similar heinous crime at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024, has triggered outrage and raised serious questions about the security measures in place at educational institutions.
According to reports, the incident at South Calcutta Law College took place on Wednesday evening. The survivor stated that she was sexually assaulted on the college campus between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm. The alleged crime occurred inside a security guard's room on the ground floor of the college, near the students' union office. Police have arrested three men in connection with the case. The accused include Monojit Mishra, a former student and a local Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) leader; Zaib Ahmed, a first-year student; and Pramit Mukherjee, also a student. The arrests were made on Thursday and Friday, and the mobile phones of the accused have been seized. The survivor also claimed the accused recorded videos of the rape and threatened to leak them.
The incident has sparked strong political reactions, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticizing the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and blaming them for the deteriorating safety of women in West Bengal. The BJP has shared photographs of the prime accused, Monojit Mishra, with senior TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has responded by stating that the matter is extremely serious and assured that the law will take its course. The Trinamool Congress has condemned the incident and stated that the full weight of the law will be brought to bear on those found guilty.
The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognizance of the crime and has sought an action-taken report from the police within three days. The Vice-Principal of the Law College, Nayana Chatterjee, stated that she only learned about the incident on Friday morning.
This recent incident has brought back memories of the rape and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024. In that case, the victim's body was found in a seminar room on the college premises. A civic volunteer for Kolkata Police, Sanjay Roy, was arrested and convicted for the crime and sentenced to life in prison.
These two cases within a year have highlighted the urgent need for increased security measures and a safer environment for students, especially women, on college campuses in West Bengal. Campuses should ensure well-lit areas, secure accommodations, and trained security personnel. Technology, such as CCTV cameras and emergency alert systems, can also play a vital role in enhancing campus security. Creating a safe campus environment requires a collective effort from students, faculty, and staff, who must work together to maintain vigilance and report any concerns. Some universities in West Bengal have already implemented measures such as anti-ragging cells and 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
