Kolkata Police’s Detective Department has taken over the law college rape probe, adding new charges of abduction and weapon assault against three accused. The incident, which occurred on June 25 in Kasba, has led to arrests, public protests, and a PIL seeking a CBI investigation in Calcutta High Court.
The Kolkata Police’s Detective Department (DD) has formally taken over the investigation into the shocking rape of a law student inside her college premises in Kasba, south Kolkata. The crime, which occurred on the evening of June 25, has sent ripples through the city’s academic and legal circles, prompting heightened public outrage and demands for swift justice.
The initial probe was launched by the local Kasba police station soon after the victim filed a complaint. Demonstrating prompt action, the police arrested three primary accused within 24 hours of the complaint being lodged. These accused have been identified as Monojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay. Mishra, a former student of the law college, has emerged as the main accused in the crime, while Ahmed and Mukhopadhyay allegedly played key roles in facilitating the assault.
Recognizing the severity and sensitivity of the case, a special investigation team (SIT) led by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP)-level officer was formed soon after the initial arrests. However, on Wednesday, the senior leadership of Kolkata Police decided to elevate the level of inquiry by transferring the case to the experienced hands of the Detective Department.
As per police sources, the Detective Department has initiated its probe with significant changes to the charges previously filed against the accused. While the original FIR included charges of rape, the DD has now added more stringent sections, including those pertaining to abduction and inflicting injuries with weapons. These additions underscore the gravity of the crime and the intention of the police to pursue a comprehensive and robust case in court.
In a disturbing twist, Pinaki Banerjee, a security guard employed at the law college, has also been arrested. According to the statement provided by the victim to the police, Banerjee was present during the incident and has been identified as a “sole helpless witness” to the assault. His role in the case remains under scrutiny, although no active participation in the crime has been alleged against him so far.
On Tuesday, the trial court in Kolkata extended the police custody of Mishra, Ahmed, and Mukhopadhyay till July 8. Banerjee’s custody has been extended till July 4. The prosecution sought the extension to allow further interrogation and to verify details from CCTV footage, forensic reports, and other technical evidence.
Meanwhile, the case has now reached the doors of the Calcutta High Court. A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed, seeking the intervention of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter. The plea argues that an independent central agency would ensure a more transparent and impartial probe. The court is expected to hear the PIL on Thursday.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from student organizations, women’s rights groups, and members of the legal community. Several protests have taken place outside the law college and in central parts of Kolkata, demanding justice for the victim and calling for greater accountability within educational institutions.
Political reactions have also started pouring in, with opposition parties urging the government to ensure that the investigation does not lose momentum under political or administrative pressure. Many have raised concerns about campus safety and the role of college authorities in preventing such crimes.
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The city’s police commissionerate has assured the public that the matter is being handled with the utmost seriousness. “We are committed to delivering justice. The Detective Department has been brought in to ensure that every lead is followed and no stone is left unturned,” a senior officer stated.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on the proceedings in the Calcutta High Court and the potential involvement of the CBI. The coming days will be crucial in determining the future course of the case, which has already highlighted significant concerns regarding campus safety and institutional responsibility.
