A team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) recently visited a law college in Kolkata to investigate an alleged gang rape incident, but has accused the local police of non-cooperation. NCW member Archana Majumdar, who led the team, voiced serious concerns about the obstacles they faced in their attempt to gather information and meet with the victim and her family.

Majumdar stated that the police obstructed her passage to the crime scene at South Calcutta Law College. She alleged that the police were preventing the NCW team from meeting with the victim, seeing the crime scene, and taking photographs. According to Majumdar, the police claimed to be unaware of the survivor's whereabouts, further hindering the investigation. She emphasized that their attempts to meet with the victim's parents or legal guardians were met with resistance from the police.

The NCW had taken suo motu cognizance of the case. Majumdar criticized the police's "lackadaisical attitude" and suggested that the victim was being hidden, which was impeding the investigation. She said that she received the medical report and FIR on Saturday. The NCW team planned to visit the survivor's home to assess the situation, understand the family's needs, and evaluate the police's response. The team also intended to inquire about the progress of the investigation.

According to India Today, Majumder stated that attempts were being made to hide something and that police officials were not fully cooperating with the commission. She added that she would submit a detailed report to the chairperson of the NCW in Delhi on Monday. NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar had written to the State’s Chief Secretary seeking cooperation from the State government.

Kolkata police sources have stated that they have already conducted medical examinations of the victim. The NCW chairperson has written to the Kolkata police commissioner demanding immediate action and a time-bound investigation.

The alleged gang rape occurred on June 25 at South Calcutta Law College. The victim alleged that the accused took photos and videos of her during the assault and threatened her with a hockey stick. CCTV footage from the college confirmed the victim's allegations, showing her being forced into the guard's room.

Four individuals, including two current students, a former student, and a security guard, have been arrested in connection with the case. The security guard is accused of negligence, failing to help the victim, and not reporting the incident. The involvement of a former student leader associated with a ruling party's student wing has triggered outrage.

The incident has sparked widespread protests in Kolkata, with people demanding justice for the victim. The BJP organized a Kanya Suraksha Yatra in Kolkata to protest the gang rape. The case has also drawn comparisons to a similar incident at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in August 2024.