Four days after a 24-year-old law student was allegedly raped at South Calcutta Law College, the Kolkata Police have made significant strides in the investigation, seizing crucial evidence and expanding the Special Investigation Team (SIT). The probe gained momentum with the arrest of a security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, who was on duty at the time of the incident, bringing the total number of arrests to four. The other three arrested individuals are Monojit Mishra, a contractual staffer and former student of the college, and two students, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee.
The victim's statement alleges that the security guard was present during the crime but failed to intervene; instead, he allegedly vacated his room at the instruction of the main accused. Police sources stated that Banerjee's replies were inconsistent, and CCTV footage confirmed his presence at the college. Authorities are investigating why he did not prevent the crime and whose instructions he was following when he left his post.
In addition to the arrests, investigators have seized a hockey stick and clothing belonging to the suspects, which are believed to be connected to the crime. These items are undergoing forensic analysis, with authorities collecting DNA evidence to strengthen their case. The victim alleged that the accused threatened her with a hockey stick during the assault.
The SIT, initially composed of five members, has been expanded to nine to expedite the investigation, according to police officers. The team is meticulously examining over seven and a half hours of CCTV footage from the college's external gate and premises. The footage reportedly corroborates the victim's statement, specifically her claim that she was prevented from leaving the college. The SIT has applied to record confidential statements from the survivor and her parents.
The medical report of the survivor confirms penetrative sexual assault and reveals abrasion marks around her neck and marks on her breast. This evidence supports the victim's account and bolsters the prosecution's case.
The incident has sparked outrage and protests across Kolkata, with many demanding swift justice for the survivor. The BJP has organized protests and formed a fact-finding committee to investigate the incident, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister due to concerns over women's safety in the state. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also expressed concerns, with a member alleging that attempts were made to conceal information related to the case.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to gather all necessary evidence to ensure a successful prosecution. The arrests, seizure of evidence, and expansion of the SIT demonstrate the commitment to a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this heinous crime.
