A perplexing case has emerged in Kolkata, involving a 24-year-old woman psychologist's allegations against a student of a prominent B-school, followed by a startling denial from her own father. The woman accused Paramanand Toppannawar, a second-year student at IIM-Calcutta, of rape, wrongful confinement, and administering harmful substances. Toppannawar was arrested and remanded to seven days of police custody. However, within 12 hours, the woman's father publicly contradicted her account, claiming that his daughter had simply fallen off an autorickshaw and that no crime had occurred.
According to the initial police report, the woman stated that she connected with Toppannawar online, and he invited her to the IIM-C campus for a "personal counselling session". She alleged that she was not permitted to sign the visitor's log, a claim disputed by institute officials. Toppannawar then allegedly took her to his hostel room, citing privacy, and offered her pizza and a drink. In her complaint, the woman stated that she felt dizzy after consuming the food and drink, and recalled Toppannawar touching her inappropriately before she "found myself on his bed when I regained my senses," implying sexual assault.
However, the woman's father presented a drastically different version of events. He stated in interviews that his daughter had called him to say she had fallen off an autorickshaw. He claimed she lost consciousness and was admitted to the neurology department of SSKM Hospital, where police had taken her. He explicitly denied any allegations of abuse and stated that his daughter told him that no one had mistreated her. Furthermore, the father claimed that his daughter told him she had no connection to the accused. When asked about the arrest, he stated he didn't know what was happening. He also asserted that she did not file any complaint with the police. When asked what the family wanted, he stated, "What else can we ask for? We got our daughter back. My daughter is normal".
The conflicting statements have created a confusing situation for the Kolkata police, who are now facing non-cooperation from the family. According to reports, the family is now silent and uncommunicative. Police have launched an inquiry into the father's statements, which directly contradict his daughter's initial complaint. The accused's lawyer claimed in court that the woman and the accused met online because she is a psychologist and counselor and had come to the IIM campus for a counseling session. The lawyer also pointed out discrepancies between the time the incident was reported and the alleged time it occurred.
IIM-Calcutta has released a statement asserting zero tolerance for such incidents and affirming its commitment to a safe and respectful campus environment. The institute is cooperating with law enforcement authorities and has stated that the matter is being treated with the "utmost seriousness". IIM-C also clarified that the complainant is not a student of the institute. The director-in-charge of IIM-C, Saibal Chattopadhyay, stated that the institute is ensuring due process is followed while safeguarding the dignity, safety, and privacy of all individuals.
The incident has drawn comparisons to a recent alleged gang-rape at South Calcutta Law College. The series of events has ignited concerns about safety and security on educational campuses in Kolkata. The police investigation continues, further complicating the details surrounding the incident at IIM-Calcutta.
