Following the shocking rape case at a prominent Kolkata law college, where one accused was a former student, the student union has restricted ex-students’ campus access for five years. The college, where West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee once studied, now aims to enhance student safety through this new policy.
In the aftermath of a heinous rape case within a prestigious law college in Kasba, Kolkata, the student union of Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, which counts West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee among its alumni, has announced strict measures aimed at bolstering campus safety. The newly issued notice bars all former students from entering the college premises for five years after graduation, except under very specific circumstances.
This decision comes in response to the disturbing incident where a current female law student was allegedly raped within the college premises last week. The primary accused, Manojit Mishra, is a former student of the same institution, while his two accomplices — Jaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay — are current students. This shocking incident has sent waves of outrage and concern across the state, prompting immediate safety and administrative overhauls within the institution.
The students’ union of the college issued a formal notice on Tuesday, making it clear that former students will no longer have free access to the college premises. “No ex-student shall be allowed to enter the campus for a period of five years from the date of his or her graduation, unless under exceptional circumstances,” the statement said.
Exceptions to this ban will only include participation in Saraswati Puja, alumni sports events, or if the former student is being felicitated for an extraordinary achievement. Importantly, even during the restricted period, such participation will require prior permission from the college authorities.
The union, in its notice, also highlighted the college’s historical legacy and mentioned that West Bengal’s current Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, is one of the notable alumni. By invoking her name, the union aimed to stress the importance of maintaining the college’s dignity, safety, and decorum.
The tragic rape incident has not only shocked the student community but has also triggered widespread public and political reactions. Many have questioned the existing security protocols within educational institutions, particularly those involving open access to campuses by outsiders, including former students.
A senior student leader stated, “What happened is unacceptable. Safety must be the top priority. Allowing former students unchecked access can pose serious risks, as evident in this case. The restriction may seem harsh but is necessary.”
Legal experts have weighed in, too. Advocate Shreya Das from the Kolkata High Court remarked, “The college has a duty of care. While such restrictions may not be a permanent solution, they are a preventive step to ensure the safety of current students while legal proceedings take their course.”
Meanwhile, the police investigation into the case is ongoing. All three accused — Manojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay — have been arrested and are being interrogated. The police are also examining whether the crime was premeditated and whether there were any lapses in campus surveillance that allowed it to happen.
Parents and guardians of current students have welcomed the move by the students’ union. “We send our daughters to study, not to fall victim to such brutality. The college must take every measure to prevent such incidents. If it means restricting entry of outsiders, so be it,” said Priyanka Mukherjee, whose daughter is a second-year student at the law college.
Though the administration has yet to issue an official statement, insiders reveal that the authorities are supportive of the students’ union’s decision and are working on revising campus access policies and enhancing surveillance.
| Also Read: Biplab Deb: “No woman is safe in Bengal under Mamata” |
As the legal process unfolds and the college community grapples with the trauma of this violent act, the administration and students alike are trying to ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated. Many believe that this moment must act as a turning point — not just for Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College, but for all educational institutions across the state.
The incident underscores a pressing issue — the need for robust safety protocols in colleges and universities, particularly those located in urban areas with high footfall. While justice for the victim remains paramount, preventative measures like this cooling-off period for alumni are being seen as a step in the right direction.
