Kolkata Law College Student Alleges Rape by TMCP-linked Youth; Political Row Erupts

GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 27th June: A 24-year-old college student has alleged that she was raped inside the guardroom of South Calcutta Law College late Wednesday night, triggering widespread outrage and a political storm in West Bengal. The main accused, identified as Manojit Mishra, is reportedly linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress’s student wing, the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP).

According to the police complaint filed by the survivor on Thursday evening, three men — referred to as ‘J’, ‘M’, and ‘P’ — allegedly cornered and assaulted her after a student wing meeting at around 7:30 pm. She said ‘M’ and ‘P’ locked her in a room with ‘J’, who tried to rape her. Despite her protests and pleas, including mentioning her relationship and love for her boyfriend, she claimed the attack continued relentlessly.

“I fought back… he didn’t let me go”
In her detailed and distressing complaint, the student narrated that she suffered a panic attack during the assault and requested an inhaler. She said ‘M’ fetched the inhaler but made no attempt to stop the assault. When she tried to flee, she alleged the men dragged her back and forced her into the college’s guardroom, ejecting the guard.

“He undressed me and started raping me. When I resisted, he blackmailed me,” the survivor wrote, stating that she was threatened with the death of her family and boyfriend if she spoke out. She further alleged she was hit on the head with a hockey stick during the assault.

She was finally released around 10:50 pm, with a stern warning not to report the incident. “But today I made up my mind,” she wrote. “Being a law student, I want justice.”

Political Fallout
The horrific assault has sparked a fierce political backlash, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of shielding the accused. BJP leaders have circulated photos showing Manojit Mishra standing with senior TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, MP and nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The BJP drew parallels with last year’s rape and murder case at RG Kar Medical College, accusing the state government of “protecting criminals linked to the ruling party.”

In its initial response, the Trinamool Congress acknowledged Mishra’s affiliation with its youth wing but insisted that strict action would follow, regardless of political ties.

College Under Scrutiny
The complaint identifies ‘M’ as an ex-student and influential figure in the TMCP, allegedly acting as the de facto head of the unit within the law college. “Everyone listened to him,” she said, indicating the extent of his informal control over campus affairs.

Investigation Underway
Police sources confirmed that an FIR has been registered and the matter is under active investigation. Statements from other students, college staff, and the guard are being recorded.

Women’s rights activists and civil society groups have demanded swift justice, increased security in educational institutions, and an end to political interference in student bodies.