Kolkata Law Student Rape Case: 2 Accused Named in Shocking Eyewitness Allegation

The Night of the Incident – A Chilling Account

An Unimaginable Violation on a Campus of Law and Learning

On the evening of Wednesday, June 25, a horrifying act of violence shattered the sanctity of South Calcutta Law College, a reputed institution in the southern district of the West Bengal capital. A 24-year-old woman, a college student, filed a formal police complaint accusing three men—identified by the initials J, M, and P—of confining, intimidating, and sexually assaulting her within the premises of the law college.

According to the complaint, which was accessed by NDTV and verified through senior police sources in Kolkata Police, the assault occurred shortly after 7:30 PM inside a guardroom on the campus. The alleged incident unfolded after a routine student body meeting, which the survivor had attended.

The Survivor’s Statement: A Testimony of Terror

In her complaint filed on Thursday evening, the survivor recounted in harrowing detail how she was ambushed, physically intimidated, and forcibly confined. Two of the accused, M and P, reportedly forced the college guard to vacate the guardroom, after which she was allegedly locked inside with the third accused, J, who then proceeded to attempt to rape her.

Her words, filled with both terror and resilience, have since become the center of an unfolding tragedy and political outrage.

“I fought back… I cried and asked him to let me go… I even touched his feet but he didn’t let me go… he tried to force me with the intention of having sex. I kept pushing him back. I asked him to let me go. ‘I can’t do this, I have a boyfriend and I love him,’ I said.”

Her statement illustrates not only the brutality she endured but also her desperate attempts to preserve her dignity and physical safety amidst overwhelming fear and betrayal—on the very grounds of an educational institution.

The Setting: A Campus Breached

South Calcutta Law College, like many such state-run institutions in Bengal, remains open into the evening due to extended academic and student organization activities. Student unions play a significant role in campus life, often acting as informal power brokers and gatekeepers. It is within this environment that the incident occurred—a structure of loosely monitored authority, political allegiance, and social intimidation.

The fact that the incident occurred in a guardroom, an area supposedly meant for security and safety, and that the college guard himself was coerced into leaving the site, has prompted serious questions about the internal governance and security protocol of the institution.

A Familiar Accusation Against the Trinamool Youth Wing

Soon after the FIR became public, political fallout erupted. The main accused in the survivor’s complaint—identified as Manojit Mishra—has been claimed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to be a key figure in the youth wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), specifically its student organization, the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP).

In her statement, the survivor supports this assertion:

“He is an ex-student as well as an official of the college… unofficially, he is the head of the TMCP unit of the college and holds much power. Everyone listened to him.”

This is not the first time such accusations have rocked Bengal’s political landscape. Comparisons have already been drawn with the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, where the Trinamool Congress was accused of shielding the accused due to their political connections.

The BJP, seizing the momentum ahead of next year’s West Bengal Assembly Elections, has launched a scathing attack on the ruling party, alleging that the Trinamool is protecting politically aligned criminals in the education system.

BJP’s Official Statement: “Lawlessness in Bengal Institutions”

In a press conference Thursday night, senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari condemned the incident:

“This is not an isolated crime. This is a symptom of the lawlessness and unchecked power being exercised by the student wings of the ruling party. A young woman was attacked within an educational institution, and the prime accused is being described as an ‘influential TMCP leader’. Why has no action been taken yet?”

He further demanded that the West Bengal Women’s Commission, the State Human Rights Commission, and independent judicial bodies intervene immediately to ensure justice.

The Institutional Response – Law Enforcement and Delayed Action

Kolkata Police Under the Microscope

As public outrage mounted over the incident at South Calcutta Law College, the role of the Kolkata Police quickly came under scrutiny. While the survivor filed her complaint on Thursday evening, over 24 hours after the alleged incident, critics have pointed out the delay in taking action against the accused—especially given that the survivor had explicitly named all three perpetrators and detailed their roles in her statement.

Sources within the Tollygunge Police Station, where the FIR was filed, confirmed to Liberty Wire that the complaint was recorded under Sections 376 (rape), 354 (assault to outrage modesty), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The case is currently being supervised by a senior female IPS officer, who requested anonymity citing ongoing investigations.

However, until late Friday evening, no arrests had been officially confirmed.

“We are verifying the identities of the accused and reviewing CCTV footage,” a senior officer said, “We are also interviewing the college staff and the complainant again to build a strong case.”

But critics, including student groups and women’s rights organizations, say this is not enough.

Delayed Medical Examination Raises Questions

Equally concerning is the fact that the medical examination of the survivor was not conducted until Thursday night, nearly 24 hours after the assault. Legal and forensic experts note that timing is crucial in cases of sexual assault, as any delay in examination and evidence collection significantly weakens the physical component of the prosecution’s case.

A member of the West Bengal State Legal Services Authority, who visited the hospital where the examination took place, stated on condition of anonymity:

“The delay is deeply troubling. These lapses in timely medical care and forensic protocol can impact the survivor’s access to justice. This is the second high-profile case in under a year where such institutional delay has occurred.”

Campus Silence and Fear

Perhaps the most unsettling element of this case is the deafening silence from the college’s administrative authorities. No official statement has yet been released by South Calcutta Law College. Attempts by Liberty Wire to contact the Principal and other senior staff were met with silence or “no comment” responses.

However, off the record, a faculty member admitted that the atmosphere within the institution had become tense and fearful.

“No one wants to talk publicly. There is a lot of pressure… unofficial networks of influence are very much active on campus. This is a law college, but justice seems far away.”

An Open Secret: TMCP and Campus Power Dynamics

The survivor’s account describes one of the accused as being an “unofficial leader” of the TMCP unit—the student wing of the Trinamool Congress. According to multiple students, Manojit Mishra, the main accused, had for years acted as the de facto authority on campus, with connections to local politicians, control over admission recommendations, and even informal oversight of staff and guards.

“You couldn’t get a student permit signed without his approval,” said a second-year LLB student, who wished to remain anonymous. “Everyone knew he was close to the TMCP top brass. He was feared more than respected.”

Such informal power structures have existed in many public colleges in Bengal, with political patronage providing impunity to certain individuals. Over the past decade, these relationships have come under fire repeatedly, particularly following allegations of rigged college elections, violent clashes, and allegations of extortion.

Activists Demand Independent Probe

Women’s rights groups have now formally petitioned the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the State Human Rights Commission, demanding an independent investigation. Noted women’s rights activist Anuradha Sengupta said:

“This case cannot be left to the local police or college administration. The political connection of the accused makes it necessary for an external, unbiased authority to take over.”

She has also appealed for the survivor’s safety, citing the threat of retaliation—a real fear given that one of the accused continues to operate in the area and allegedly has access to political and police connections.

A Pattern of Silence and Violence

This is not the first time a politically connected student leader has been accused of violence or assault on a West Bengal college campus. In April last year, the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case made national headlines after a female nursing student was killed, and the accused was later linked to TMCP networks.

Despite widespread outrage and street protests, justice remains elusive in that case too. And now, with another student making serious allegations involving powerful youth political figures, many fear the same cycle of delayed justice, political interference, and victim-blaming will repeat.

Inside the Campus – Student Voices, Fear, and Resistance

Speaking in Whispers: Student Testimonies from the Shadows

Following the revelation of the alleged rape attempt at South Calcutta Law College, Liberty Wire spoke to over a dozen students, current and former, who requested anonymity due to fear of backlash. Their testimonies paint a chilling picture of unchecked power, systemic intimidation, and a long history of informal authority held by politically affiliated student leaders.

“He [Manojit Mishra] wasn’t a student anymore, but he was more powerful than any professor. He would walk into classrooms, summon students out for meetings, and even sit in on disciplinary hearings,” said one second-year law student.

“We all knew something like this could happen someday. The college has no spine. The guards fear them, teachers stay silent, and the administration pretends it’s all normal,” said another, her voice trembling.

There’s a widespread sentiment among the student body that the alleged incident wasn’t a one-off, but rather the culmination of a toxic power structure enabled by silence, apathy, and political impunity.

A Culture of Control: TMCP’s Deep Roots in Student Life

The Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) is the official student wing of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and has had a longstanding presence in student politics across West Bengal. On many campuses, including South Calcutta Law College, the TMCP has functioned as both an electoral force and an informal administrative body.

“TMCP leaders control everything from hostel allotments to exam forms,” said a former student union member. “Those who protest are either sidelined or threatened.”

The political apparatus isn’t confined to formal politics either. Students allege the TMCP in this college also exerts influence over:

Student body elections (often unopposed or rigged)
Allocation of internal assessment marks
Selection of event committees and funding disbursement
Recruitment of college guards and peons

This intricate web of influence makes it nearly impossible for ordinary students—especially women—to challenge the leadership without risking personal safety or academic retaliation.

Political Fallout: The Blame Game Begins

BJP vs TMC – A Familiar Battle Rekindled

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has swiftly escalated the issue into a statewide political showdown. Party spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya, addressing the press outside the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, declared:

“Yet another woman is crying for justice, and the accused is a Trinamool-backed goon. Bengal has become unsafe for women under Mamata Banerjee’s rule. TMCP has turned educational campuses into criminal dens.”

In response, the ruling Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of politicizing trauma. Senior TMC leader and education minister Bratya Basu said:

“This is a serious matter, and the law will take its course. But the BJP should not attempt to derive electoral mileage out of a woman’s suffering.”

Despite this assurance, no public action had yet been announced by the TMC against the alleged TMCP leader, nor has any internal party investigation been confirmed.

Campus Protests Begin — But Under Watch

On Friday morning, a group of around 50 students, mostly women, staged a silent protest outside the college gates, holding placards that read:

“We Want Justice”
“Suspend the Accused”
“Protect Survivors, Not Perpetrators”

While the protest was peaceful, students told Liberty Wire that they were being “closely watched” by members of the student union affiliated to TMCP.

“They stood behind the trees and recorded us. One girl was warned not to come to class if she attended the next protest,” said a student leader from the protest group.

No teacher or member of the administration joined or supported the protest publicly.

The Survivor’s Plea: “I Don’t Feel Safe”

In her complaint, the survivor not only identified the three accused but expressed fear for her safety, especially since at least one of them continues to roam freely in the area. Her request for police protection is under review, though at the time of publishing this report, no official escort or safety arrangement had been provided.

“I want to continue my studies. I want to be a lawyer. But how can I go back to the college where this happened?” she reportedly told the police during her second interview.

Her family, residing in a nearby district, is now considering relocation, fearing further retaliation or character assassination.

Legal Support Begins to Mobilize

The West Bengal Women Lawyers’ Association has now offered pro bono legal support to the survivor. Advocate Rini Ghosh, who specializes in gender-based violence cases, has taken over as the lead counsel.

“We are not only pursuing this as a criminal case,” she said, “but also as a case of institutional failure and political protectionism. We will ensure that this brave woman is not silenced.”

A writ petition is also being drafted for Calcutta High Court, demanding:

A court-monitored probe
Suspension of college officials for dereliction of duty
Immediate arrest of the accused

Forensics, Delays, and the Integrity of Investigation

What the Medical Report Revealed — And What It Didn’t

The forensic angle in this disturbing case is already proving to be a matter of public concern and legal contention. According to police sources who spoke to Liberty Wire on condition of anonymity, the preliminary medical examination report, conducted nearly 24 hours after the alleged incident, does not show definitive signs of penetrative assault—a development that, while not uncommon in attempted rape cases, could significantly complicate prosecution if mishandled.

However, the survivor’s detailed complaint and multiple bruises reportedly found on her arms, wrists, and thighs align with her testimony that she struggled physically and resisted the attack.

A retired forensic examiner from the West Bengal Directorate of Medical Education, reviewing the publicly known details, said:

“The absence of penetration does not disprove an attempt to rape. Bruising, resistance marks, and psychological trauma are all critical. The law recognizes attempt, and Sections 376 read with 511 IPC are applicable.”

Yet, it is precisely the delay in medical examination that risks undermining the prosecution. Seminal residue, skin fragments, and other forms of DNA evidence may be compromised, weakening the chain of forensic proof.

Police Investigation: Progress or Posturing?

The Tollygunge Police Station, tasked with the investigation, claimed on Friday evening that they had begun collecting CCTV footage from inside and around the college, focusing particularly on the period between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM on Wednesday. However, college insiders revealed that many cameras in the older sections of the campus—including the guardroom—were not functional.

This admission could significantly impair efforts to corroborate the survivor’s movements or identify the accused entering and exiting the scene of the crime.

Meanwhile, police confirmed that two of the three accused—‘P’ and ‘M’—have not been located as of Friday night. ‘J’, the main accused, believed to be Manojit Mishra, has allegedly gone into hiding. His last known location, according to mobile tower records, was Behala, but police say the phone has since been switched off.

“We are conducting raids and will arrest the accused soon,” said an officer, offering no timeline.

Who is Manojit Mishra? Tracing the Rise of a Campus Strongman

The Political and Social Ascent of an Alleged Predator

According to multiple student accounts, faculty sources, and political insiders interviewed by Liberty Wire, Manojit Mishra, the main accused, has been a dominant presence on campus for more than five years. Though he officially graduated in 2023, Mishra maintained a powerful grip on the student union, largely due to his proximity to senior members of the TMCP and his rumored connections with local MLAs in the TMC’s South Kolkata bloc.

“He was seen escorting politicians to campus events, organizing youth rallies, and managing local booth-level meetings,” said a former TMCP cadre, now disillusioned.

Insiders allege that Mishra’s control extended to:

Admission recommendations
Access to funds for student festivals
Handling disputes between students and administration
Coordinating with local police on behalf of the college unit

Many describe him as having a “goon-like aura”, someone who rarely attended class but was always in the principal’s room, staff meetings, or TMCP planning sessions.

“He made himself untouchable,” said a third-year student. “He wasn’t just a bully—he was institutionally protected.”

Patterns of Abuse Alleged by Past Students

Even more troubling are the unofficial testimonies emerging from past female students who now claim that Wednesday’s incident was not an isolated one.

One former student, who graduated in 2022 and is now studying for her judiciary exams, spoke on condition of anonymity:

“He propositioned me repeatedly. When I refused, he blocked my exam hall admission and warned me that I’d be failed in internal assessments. I had to beg a professor to help me get clearance.”

Another recalled being pressured into meeting him privately to “discuss future roles” in the student union. Though she escaped harm, she described an atmosphere of constant intimidation and verbal harassment.

These allegations, though currently unverified by police, highlight a consistent behavioral pattern that legal experts say may be useful under Section 53A of the Indian Evidence Act, which allows consideration of past sexual conduct in certain types of cases involving repeated misconduct.

Campus Reaction: Broken Trust and Staff Fear

A College Community Gripped by Fear and Paralysis

Inside the South Calcutta Law College, the mood is one of anxiety, shame, and eerie calm. According to several faculty members, some of whom have taught for over two decades, this is the first time such a serious allegation involving sexual violence has occurred on campus, and the administration’s silence has only worsened the trauma.

“We feel betrayed. Our own system allowed this to fester,” said a senior professor in the Law of Crimes department. “The college guard was bullied into leaving. That’s how normal intimidation has become.”

Sources confirm that an internal inquiry committee, composed of faculty members, was hurriedly constituted on Friday. However, its scope remains unclear, and students question its independence, especially as no representative from an external women’s rights body has been included.

A Fractured Political Response

While the BJP continues its frontal attack on the TMC, accusing the party of systemic cover-ups, the ruling party has yet to clarify Manojit Mishra’s status within its youth wing. No suspension or distancing statement has been made public.

Political observers say the party’s silence is strategic, given that Bengal will go to the polls in 2026 and the TMCP continues to play a vital role in booth-level mobilization.

“The leadership knows that openly condemning or expelling someone like Mishra could fracture the college networks that are critical during elections,” said a senior political journalist with a leading Bengali daily.

The Legal Front – FIR, Charges, and the Fight for Justice

Decoding the FIR: What Has Been Filed, What’s Missing

The First Information Report (FIR), filed by the survivor on Thursday evening, outlines a sequence of premeditated intimidation, wrongful confinement, and a violent attempt to rape. According to police sources and the survivor’s lawyer, the charges mentioned in the FIR include:

Section 376 (read with 511) – Attempt to rape
Section 354 – Assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty
Section 341 – Wrongful restraint
Section 342 – Wrongful confinement
Section 34 – Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention

The decision to invoke Section 376/511 IPC (attempt to rape) instead of full rape charges under Section 376 was taken due to the lack of conclusive penetration evidence, per the preliminary medical report.

However, legal experts warn that the language of the FIR must be carefully defended in court, especially because lawyers for the accused could exploit the absence of “forensic certainty” to cast doubt on the survivor’s account.

Section 376 IPC: A Legal Battlefield in Sexual Assault Cases

Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code pertains to rape, and when read with Section 511 (attempt), it allows prosecutors to pursue significant prison terms—up to 10 years, along with fines—even if intercourse was not completed.

Senior advocate Mahua Chatterjee, who has handled high-profile sexual assault cases in West Bengal, explains:

“What matters is the intent and the actions taken to achieve penetration. The survivor’s testimony describes physical aggression, verbal coercion, and clear sexual intent. The law is firmly on her side if the police investigate thoroughly.”

However, conviction under 376/511 hinges heavily on:

Eyewitness corroboration
Medical evidence of injury or trauma
Psychological evaluation of the survivor
Credibility of witnesses and consistency in testimony

In this case, the college guard, who was allegedly coerced to vacate the guardroom, may become a key witness, either reinforcing or undermining the timeline presented by the survivor.

Delay in Arrests: Strategy or Stalling?

Despite the FIR, widespread media coverage, and mounting political pressure, none of the three accused have been arrested as of Saturday morning. This delay, according to legal commentators, could be:

A strategic move to let political tensions settle
An institutional reluctance to arrest someone with strong political connections
A gap in physical evidence, especially since the accused have allegedly gone into hiding

Sources in the police department claim that raids are ongoing, particularly in Baruipur, Behala, and Baghajatin, but critics argue the lack of urgency hints at deliberate inaction.

Survivor Legal Support and Counselling Frameworks Mobilize

In a city long known for its legal activism, multiple legal aid organizations and women’s rights groups have now joined forces to ensure the survivor’s case does not fall into silence or bureaucratic delay.

West Bengal Women Lawyers’ Association (WBWLA)

The WBWLA has taken the lead role in representing the survivor in all legal proceedings. Their demands now include:

Immediate arrest of all three accused
An independent judicial inquiry
Protective custody or relocation assistance for the survivor
Time-bound forensic processing and charge-sheet filing

According to Advocate Rini Ghosh, who leads the legal team:

“We are filing a petition in Calcutta High Court on Monday demanding police accountability. If required, we will push for a court-monitored Special Investigation Team (SIT).”

Psychological Support: Rebuilding After Trauma

Recognizing the emotional toll of sexual violence, Swayam, a Kolkata-based NGO specializing in gender justice and survivor rehabilitation, has reached out to provide trauma counselling, safe housing, and mental health support.

Dr. Meenakshi Sen, clinical psychologist and trauma specialist at Swayam, explains:

“The mental toll of being violated and then disbelieved or delayed by the system often breaks a survivor more than the incident itself. Our first step is to ensure she knows she’s not alone.”

Swayam, along with two other organizations—Majlis Legal Centre and Praajak—has created a support grid that offers:

Legal documentation assistance
Private therapy sessions
Safety audits for her home and college access points
Emergency relocation, if required

Students Plan Fresh Protest March, Despite Threats

A second student protest march is being planned for Monday, starting from Gariahat crossing to the college gates, with participation from alumni, women’s rights activists, and apolitical student groups.

Students are demanding:

Suspension of any college staff who failed to protect the survivor
Removal of TMCP representatives from college committees until investigation concludes
Clear anti-harassment protocols and a functioning Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) on campus

“We cannot go back to class as if nothing happened. If the college doesn’t act, we will shame them into acting,” said a final-year LLB student and protest coordinator.

There are, however, credible fears of counter-protests and intimidation. Some students claim that calls have gone out on WhatsApp groups urging TMCP loyalists to confront protestors. The situation is tense and may escalate unless police intervene preemptively.

Media Spotlight and the Ethics of Reporting Sexual Violence

When Reporting Becomes a Trial: The Survivor in the Public Eye

As national and regional media outlets descend upon Kolkata to cover the incident at South Calcutta Law College, a troubling pattern has emerged—one that India has seen time and again in high-profile gender violence cases. The survivor, rather than the accused, is increasingly under public scrutiny.

Despite guidelines issued by the Press Council of India, the Supreme Court, and the National Commission for Women (NCW), several media organizations have published detailed identifying information: her college department, year of study, time of residence, and even partial screenshots of her complaint.

While her name has not been revealed, experts say “jigsaw identification”—where multiple details make it easy for people to deduce someone’s identity—is just as harmful.

“Survivors of sexual assault have a constitutional right to anonymity,” says advocate Flavia Agnes, a renowned women’s rights lawyer. “Violating this is not only unethical but criminal under Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code.”

NCW Issues Notice, But Will Action Follow?

In response to complaints from civil society groups, the National Commission for Women has sent notices to three digital media platforms and one Bengali TV news channel, seeking explanations for “potentially compromising the identity of a sexual assault survivor.”

However, no fines, suspensions, or arrests have been made thus far.

NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma, in a statement, said:

“We urge all media houses to show restraint and compassion. This is not a moment for sensationalism, but for responsible journalism.”

Critics argue that such reminders, without penalties or legal consequences, are largely symbolic and do little to prevent future violations.

The Broader System: Gender, Power, and Political Youth Networks

TMCP, Student Wings, and the Legacy of Gendered Impunity

Across India—and especially in politically volatile states like West Bengal—student wings of ruling parties have long been viewed as incubators of future political muscle. But these organizations also, more often than admitted, develop deeply toxic and patriarchal cultures, where young men gain unchecked power, and women are frequently marginalized or exploited.

The Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), while officially committed to “student welfare and rights,” has over the years faced repeated allegations of:

Sexual coercion during hostel elections
Extortion from students in exchange for accommodation or approvals
Retaliation against women who filed complaints
Informal pressure on administration to suppress internal disciplinary proceedings

Political observers note that TMCP is not alone. ABVP, NSUI, and other student bodies affiliated with national parties have also faced similar charges. What makes the TMCP case particularly alarming is the institutional silence and long-standing normalization of such practices in the state’s colleges.

Voices from Within: Women in TMCP Speak Out

In an unexpected move, two female TMCP members from other Kolkata campuses have issued an anonymous open letter expressing solidarity with the survivor and criticizing their own leadership for its failure to uphold gender justice.

“We joined student politics to fight for justice, not to defend criminals,” the letter says. “When a woman is attacked, our silence is betrayal.”

Sources close to TMCP’s city unit confirm that internal dissent is growing, with at least three women leaders demanding a temporary suspension of Manojit Mishra and an internal review. However, as of this report, no official action has been taken.

Comparisons With the RG Kar Medical Case: Bengal’s Recurring Nightmare

A Pattern of Brutality and Institutional Paralysis

The latest outrage has inevitably drawn comparisons to the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case from October 2024, when a female nursing student was found strangled and sexually assaulted in a hostel bathroom. That case, too, was mired in controversy:

The accused was allegedly linked to TMCP
The college authorities delayed police access to key evidence
The post-mortem report was manipulated, according to a whistleblower technician
The survivor’s family alleged state-level interference

To date, that case has not seen trial, and public memory has faded—until now. Activists fear that South Calcutta Law College may be headed in the same direction unless urgent judicial oversight is enforced.

“The only difference between the two cases is that this survivor lived to tell her story,” said Professor Aparna Basu, an expert in gender law at Jadavpur University. “But will she get justice? That depends on what Bengal chooses to do next.”

Internal Complaints Committees – Bengal’s Forgotten Safety Net

The Mandate: ICCs as Guardians Against Gender-Based Harassment

In the wake of the 2013 Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, all educational institutions in India were mandated to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The ICC’s role is to receive and investigate complaints of sexual harassment, provide interim relief to survivors, and recommend disciplinary action to the institution.

But in the case of South Calcutta Law College, no such mechanism appears to have functioned—or even existed—effectively at the time of the survivor’s assault.

Despite being legally mandated, the college did not have an active or publicly visible ICC, students and faculty confirmed. The survivor herself mentioned in her police complaint that she had “no safe institutional route for redress” and therefore had to go directly to the police.

“I couldn’t trust anyone in the college,” she said. “Everyone listened to him. Even the professors.”

The Reality: ICCs as Mere Formalities

When Liberty Wire contacted two faculty members who had served on past committees for gender sensitization and harassment redressal in the college, both admitted that the ICC had become inactive by 2023. One even suggested it never functioned independently.

“We were not trained. We were not consulted. The administration used it as a checkbox for NAAC accreditation,” said a senior lecturer in Political Science. “We never received a single complaint—not because harassment didn’t exist, but because everyone feared reprisal.”

This mirrors a broader pattern across state-run colleges in Bengal, where ICCs have been reduced to symbolic structures, their mandates undermined by student politics, administrative apathy, and lack of legal understanding.

A 2024 audit by the University Grants Commission (UGC) had already flagged that 57% of colleges in West Bengal lacked a functional ICC, and fewer than 20% conducted annual gender sensitization workshops as required.

UGC Guidelines: Clear on Paper, Rare in Practice

Key Requirements Under UGC Regulations (2015)

Every institution must constitute an ICC with at least 50% women members
Must include an external member with experience in women’s rights
Must ensure confidentiality of proceedings and non-retaliation
Must display names, contact details, and procedures publicly
Must file annual reports to the university and UGC

Despite these regulations, South Calcutta Law College had no active webpage, noticeboard display, or known point of contact for its ICC. Students say they do not even know who the members are, and the principal has not responded to questions about it since the incident came to light.

Legal Ramifications of ICC Failure

Negligence with Consequences

Under the 2013 Act, failure to establish or maintain a functioning ICC is not just an administrative oversight—it is a punishable offence, both for the institution and for specific administrators responsible for compliance.

According to advocate Rini Ghosh, who represents the survivor:

“We are preparing to file a writ petition in Calcutta High Court not just against the accused, but also against the college management, for criminal negligence under Sections 166A and 21 of the IPC.”

She also plans to file a separate complaint with the UGC, demanding derecognition of the college if it fails to meet ICC compliance standards.

Can the ICC System Be Fixed?

Experts argue that unless the UGC and state education departments enforce stricter accountability and conduct regular audits, ICCs will remain toothless.

“Without resources, legal training, and protection from political interference, ICCs are paper tigers,” says Prof. Shalini Ghosh, who chaired Jadavpur University’s ICC during a similar controversy in 2022. “They must be given autonomy and real authority to act.”

She recommends:

Third-party audits of ICCs every two years
Mandatory ICC training sessions with legal and psychological experts
Anonymous complaint portals protected by encryption
Penalties for institutions failing to respond within 15 working days

The Survivor’s Road Ahead: Between Courage and Bureaucracy

The young woman at the heart of this case now stands at a painful crossroad. She has received support from NGOs, pro bono legal aid, and student activists—but she has also encountered media exposure, police delays, and an administration that still hasn’t issued a public statement.

Her future in law—ironically, the very discipline in which she studies—may now be shaped not by textbooks or courtrooms, but by her personal war for justice.

“I want to fight,” she told her legal counsel this week, “but I need someone to fight with me. I can’t do this alone.”

The next hearing on her petition for protection and independent investigation is expected to be listed in the Calcutta High Court early next week. Until then, her legal team has requested emergency police watch at her residence.

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