The Kolkata gang-rape case continues to unfold, with recent developments focusing on corroborating evidence and procedural actions by the police. The alleged gang-rape of a 24-year-old law student at South Calcutta Law College on June 25, 2025, has sparked widespread protests and political controversy.

CCTV Footage and Data Records

CCTV footage from the college has emerged as a crucial piece of evidence, appearing to support the survivor's account of the events. The footage, spanning over seven hours, shows the victim being forcibly taken inside the guard's room, where the alleged rape occurred. It also captures the movements of the accused, confirming their presence at the scene. NDTV reported that CCTV footage shows the law student being dragged inside the college by two of the accused. The police have stated that the CCTV footage corroborates the victim's statement, specifically her claim that she was prevented from leaving the college.

In addition to the CCTV footage, police have seized mobile phones belonging to the accused and recovered a 1.5-minute video clip. The survivor stated that the accused filmed the assault and threatened to release the footage. A forensic analysis of the video is underway to determine if it was shared or deleted. Police also recovered a hockey stick, which the survivor stated one of the accused used to threaten her.

Medical reports have further substantiated the survivor's allegations. The reports indicate evidence of "forceful penetration, bite marks, and nail scratches" on her body. The medical examination also noted "abrasion" and "marks" on her body and confirmed that sexual assault could not be ruled out.

Reconstruction of the Crime Scene

On Saturday, the police took the survivor back to the college to reconstruct the crime scene. The reconstruction process, which lasted for over two hours, was videographed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to understand the sequence of events and gather more information. The survivor's confidential statement has been recorded before a judicial magistrate. Her parents are also expected to record their statements.

Arrests and Investigation

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case: Monojit Mishra, a former student and ad-hoc staff member; Pramit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed, both current students; and Pinaki Banerjee, a security guard at the college. The police arrested the security guard after finding his replies incoherent. All four arrested individuals were visible in the CCTV footage.

The Kolkata Police have expanded the SIT from five to nine members to expedite the investigation. The SIT is led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (South Suburbs), Pradip Kumar Ghoshal. The team has seized the clothes worn by the prime accused, Monojit Mishra, during the crime, and sent them for testing. Raids have been conducted at the residences of the accused to collect further evidence. Investigators have compiled a list of individuals who visited the college on June 25, based on CCTV footage and witness statements, and are questioning them.

Political and Social Response

The gang-rape has triggered widespread protests in Kolkata. People from all walks of life have joined demonstrations outside South Calcutta Law College and Kasba Police Station. Political parties have also organized protests, with the BJP staging a "Kanya Suraksha Yatra".

The incident has sparked political controversy, particularly due to Monojit Mishra's ties to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The TMC has distanced itself from Mishra, stating that he has not held any position within the party since 2022. However, photographs of Mishra with prominent TMC leaders have surfaced, intensifying scrutiny. Some TMC leaders have made controversial remarks about the survivor, leading to show-cause notices from the party.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the case, with a member visiting the college and alleging that attempts were being made to hide something. The NCW has sought an action-taken report from the police.

The Kolkata gang-rape case has drawn parallels to a similar incident at RG Kar Medical College last year, highlighting the ongoing concerns about women's safety in the state.