Following the alleged gang-rape of a law student at a Kolkata college, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has formed a four-member panel to investigate the incident. The BJP has also launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal, alleging links between the accused and the ruling party.
The alleged gang-rape occurred on June 25, 2025, at South Calcutta Law College. The 24-year-old victim, a first-year student, reported being sexually assaulted in the college's security guard room. According to her complaint, she was attacked after being offered a student union post. The survivor stated that she was sexually assaulted and tortured between 7:30 p.m. and 10:50 p.m.. She also alleged that the accused filmed the assault, hit her with a hockey stick, and threatened to release the video online if she spoke about the incident. The survivor said that the accused also threatened to kill her boyfriend. Medical examinations confirmed the allegations, revealing evidence of forceful penetration, bite marks, and nail scratches on her body.
The Kolkata Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the case. The first three arrested were Monojit Mishra, a former student and staff member at the college; Zaib Ahmed, a 19-year-old first-year student; and Pramit Mukherjee, a 20-year-old second-year student. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, police arrested Pinaki Banerjee, the security guard on duty at the time of the incident. Banerjee is accused of negligence, failing to help the victim despite her pleas, and not reporting the incident to authorities. The survivor's complaint stated that the security guard "was helpless and did not help" and that he was instructed to sit outside the guard's room while the assault occurred.
The BJP has seized upon the incident to criticize the TMC government, alleging a connection between the accused and the ruling party. BJP leaders shared images of Manojit Mishra with TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's nephew. The BJP has accused the TMC of fostering a culture of impunity and shielding the accused. BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra condemned the incident and questioned the state administration's role. He stated that the prime suspect, Manojit Mishra, had previously held a position within the TMC's student wing and that the crime appeared to be "state-enabled". The BJP has demanded an apology and resignation from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, calling the incident "state-sponsored brutality".
The TMC has denied any links to the crime and condemned the incident. TMC leaders have emphasized their commitment to justice for the victim and women's empowerment. TMC leader Shashi Panja urged the opposition not to politicize the tragedy and defended the swift police action, stating that all three accused were arrested within 12 hours of the complaint. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim stated that he would not comment without being briefed by the police. The TMC has also criticized the Centre for not supporting anti-rape legislation.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across Kolkata. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognizance of the case. The court has remanded the accused to police custody until July 1, 2025. The case has also brought back memories of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case from the previous year, which also caused widespread outrage.
