Multiple Pieces of Evidence Corroborate Kolkata Rape Survivor’s Account: Police

Multiple pieces of evidence, including a medical report, CCTV footage, and videos recovered from the accused’s mobile phone, support the statements of the 24-year-old law student who was allegedly gang-raped at South Calcutta Law College on June 25, officials familiar with the investigation said.

According to a police officer, the medical test conducted on June 26 revealed injury marks around the survivor’s neck and breasts. “The medical report does not rule out sexual assault,” the officer added. The medico-legal examination was conducted two days later, on June 28. A copy of the June 26 medical report has been reviewed by HT.

The survivor, a first-year student, alleged that she was gang-raped inside the college’s security guard room between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm by Monojit Mishra—a contractual employee, former student, and TMC youth leader—and two students, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee.

In her statement, the survivor said she suffered a panic attack while Mishra attempted to force himself on her. “I was crying and gasping. Mishra then called Ahmed and Mukherjee inside the room. I asked for help and pleaded to be taken to a hospital. Instead, they brought an inhaler,” she said.

Police confirmed that Ahmed purchased the inhaler at 8:29 pm from Ethan Pharma, a nearby medical store. The store owner recalled Ahmed paying ₹350 via UPI after initially lacking sufficient cash. The receipt has been seized.

During interrogation, both Mukherjee and Ahmed reportedly told investigators that Mishra had promised them prominent posts in the TMC’s student wing in return for their help in luring and detaining the woman after class.

“Mishra had discussed the plan with them at least two days in advance,” an officer said, quoting the accused. “He told them they would be rewarded with top positions if they proved their loyalty.”

The survivor said she had recently been appointed as the girls’ secretary in the TMC youth wing and was asked to stay back after college for a meeting. Police have drawn up a list of 17 individuals present on campus after 4 pm and plan to question them.

“She stated that there were at least seven people in the Union room, including the student union general secretary. CCTV footage has helped identify some of them, and the college has been asked to provide their contact details,” another official said.

She further alleged that Ahmed and Mukherjee forcibly took her to the guard’s room and ordered the guard to leave. CCTV footage confirmed that the guard, Pinaki Banerjee, did not intervene or alert authorities. During questioning, Banerjee claimed the accused snatched his phone before evicting him from the room. However, footage shows him loitering nearby during the alleged assault.

Legal and Political Reactions

Three separate petitions have been filed in the Calcutta High Court and one in the Supreme Court, seeking judicial intervention. One petition calls for a court-monitored investigation, while another demands a probe by a retired Calcutta High Court judge. All the petitions are likely to be heard later this week.

A four-member fact-finding team, sent by BJP national president JP Nadda, reached Kolkata on Monday. The team visited Lalbazar police headquarters and the college campus. Outside the college, a clash erupted between BJP and CPI(M) student activists.

In response to the incident, South Calcutta Law College has suspended classes for all students indefinitely. A college official confirmed that Monojit Mishra’s services have been terminated, and students Pramit Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed have been rusticated, following directions from the state education department.