<p>Law College Gang Rape: Main Accused Allegedly Ran 'Reign of Terror' on Campus</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p data-start="125" data-end="531">The Kolkata Police have uncovered a disturbing pattern of intimidation and abuse allegedly orchestrated by Manojit Mishra, the principal accused in the South Kolkata Law College gang rape case. Investigations reveal that Mishra, a former student-turned-temporary staffer at the institution, had allegedly created an atmosphere of fear on campus long before the horrific incident of 25th June.</p>
<p data-start="533" data-end="930">According to sources within the police and college, a female batchmate of Mishra has come forward to describe him as someone who "controlled everything" on campus. She claimed she stopped attending classes just to avoid him. Investigators have confirmed that Mishra completed his graduation from the college in 2020 and returned in 2024 in an ad hoc capacity, ostensibly due to a faculty shortage.</p>
<p data-start="932" data-end="1308">Several students have reportedly told police that they felt unsafe in his presence. Mishra allegedly took unsolicited photographs of female students and shared them in private groups. Known to proposition students frequently, he had gained unchecked access to internal college documents, including students&rsquo; personal details, phone numbers, and addresses, police sources said.</p>
<h3 data-start="1310" data-end="1323">The Crime</h3>
<p data-start="1325" data-end="1742">On 25th June, a first-year law student was allegedly gang-raped inside the premises of South Kolkata Law College. Mishra, along with current students Jaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, were arrested the following day. The accused were remanded to police custody, which has since been extended until 8th July. A college security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, was also detained and his custody has been extended until 4th July.</p>
<h3 data-start="1744" data-end="1778">Mishra's Temporary Appointment</h3>
<p data-start="1780" data-end="2088">Vice Principal Dr Nayana Chatterjee admitted that Mishra had been appointed as a temporary faculty member a few months ago, citing a lack of permanent staff. The administration reportedly learnt of the incident through media channels, as no formal complaint had been filed internally by the victim or others.</p>
<p data-start="2090" data-end="2416">Chatterjee also confirmed that the police sought access to the campus a day after the incident, and security staff were directed not to disclose the matter. Two ground-floor rooms were sealed as part of the investigation. It has also emerged that the security guard on duty failed to carry out his responsibilities adequately.</p>
<h3 data-start="2418" data-end="2451">Physical and Digital Evidence</h3>
<p data-start="2453" data-end="2811">Police forensic experts documented scratch marks on Mishra&rsquo;s body, believed to have been inflicted by the victim during the assault. Investigators have also examined the call records of all three accused. Notably, Mishra reportedly made a call to Vice Principal Chatterjee on the morning following the incident. She has since been questioned twice by police.</p>
<p data-start="2813" data-end="3033">South Kolkata Law College has terminated Mishra&rsquo;s services and suspended both student accused. The administration has also recommended the cancellation of Mishra&rsquo;s Bar Council membership, as he was a practising advocate.</p>
<h3 data-start="3035" data-end="3072">CCTV Footage and Inhaler Evidence</h3>
<p data-start="3074" data-end="3356">Investigators have recovered CCTV footage from a nearby pharmacy where Jaib Ahmed allegedly purchased an inhaler at the victim&rsquo;s request. In her statement, the victim claimed she pleaded for medical help and was instead handed an inhaler, after which the assault reportedly resumed.</p>
<p data-start="3358" data-end="3482">Authorities confirm that digital evidence from the scene and the victim&rsquo;s medical reports are consistent with her testimony.</p>
<h3 data-start="3484" data-end="3508">A Premeditated Crime</h3>
<p data-start="3510" data-end="3693">On 30th June, forensic teams collected biological samples&mdash;including fluid, urine, and hair&mdash;from all three accused at a local medical college, a process that lasted nearly eight hours.</p>
<p data-start="3695" data-end="4011">Police now believe the crime was premeditated. According to officials close to the investigation, the accused had been following the victim since her admission. &ldquo;Manojit Mishra had his sights on her from the very beginning,&rdquo; said a senior officer, adding that the attack was "planned and executed with deliberation."</p>
<h3 data-start="4013" data-end="4035">Legal Developments</h3>
<p data-start="4037" data-end="4421">A public interest litigation has been filed in the Calcutta High Court, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case. The plea alleges political connections between the main accused and members of the ruling party, TMC. Petitioners have also sought victim compensation and deployment of civil volunteers in educational institutions to safeguard female students.</p>
<p data-start="4423" data-end="4528">The High Court is expected to hear this and related petitions under judicial supervision later this week.</p>

Main accused allegedly stalked victim, controlled campus; CBI probe plea reaches High Court

Kolkata Law Student Gang-Rape: Chilling Details Emerge

Main accused allegedly stalked victim, controlled campus; CBI probe plea reaches High Court

July 2, 2025 | 16:12 IST