IIM Calcutta Student Arrested After Rape Allegation; Victim’s Father Contradicts Claim

The Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) was thrust into controversy on Saturday following allegations that a woman was raped inside the Joka campus by a second-year student.

The accused, identified as Mahaveer Toppannavar alias Parmanand Jain, has been arrested and remanded to police custody until July 19.

What We Know So Far

• The Allegation: A woman, described as a psychologist, alleged that she was drugged and raped by the student after entering the hostel premises on Friday for what was reported as a counselling session.

• Victim’s Statement: Police sources said the woman claimed she felt drowsy after consuming pizza and water provided during her visit. Initial investigation revealed she hadn’t registered at the campus gates or hostel visitor log.

• Complainant’s Father Denies Rape: In a twist, the woman’s father told media outlets that his daughter had fallen off an autorickshaw and “lost her senses.” He added that he received a call on Friday night informing him that she was taken to SSKM Hospital’s neurology department after being rescued by police.

• Institute’s Response: IIM Calcutta issued a statement expressing zero tolerance for any form of abuse, emphasizing that the incident is being handled with the utmost seriousness and in full cooperation with law enforcement.

• Accused’s Mother Speaks Out: The accused student’s mother defended her son, calling him innocent. “He is in his final year. He went to Kolkata to study, not to do such dirty things,” she said, claiming the family was unaware of the details or reason for his arrest until late at night.

• TMC Urges Caution: Trinamool Congress state general secretary Kunal Ghosh urged all parties to refrain from politicizing the issue. “Let the investigation take its course,” he said, highlighting inconsistencies in statements from the complainant’s side.

• Centre Reacts: Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said he would speak to the IIM-C director about the case. He called for a fair investigation by the state police while emphasizing the institution’s strict security norms.

As the investigation continues, authorities are examining all angles, including whether the woman was drugged and the absence of visitor registration. The case remains under intense scrutiny due to the high-profile nature of the institution and the conflicting claims from those involved.