Kolkata Rape Case: Women’s Panel Alleges Efforts to Suppress Key Details

Kolkata has once again been shaken by a horrific incident that happened with a 24-year-old law student, who alleged she was gang-raped on the campus of South Calcutta Law College on Wednesday evening. Police have arrested four men in connection with this case, and disturbing video footage of the crime has been accessed from their mobile phones.

Women's Panel Visits Site, Raises Concerns

On Sunday, Archana Majumder from the National Commission for Women visited the college to examine the incident. She expressed concern that certain facts may be deliberately hidden and said local police were not cooperating fully with the commission. Majumder also mentioned that she was stopped from filming the scene, and the victim’s family is under pressure.

Protests and Political Backlash

The BJP organized a torch rally on Sunday evening in Kolkata, called the Kanya Suraksha Yatra, led by Suvendu Adhikari. They demanded strict action and highlighted growing concerns over women's safety. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MLA Madan Mitra received a show-cause notice from his party for comments that appeared to question the victim’s actions. Mitra, however, denied receiving any notice.

Investigation and New Developments

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) looking into the case has been expanded to nine members for a faster probe. Police seized clothing worn by the accused, including the prime suspect Monojit Mishra, and have sent them for forensic testing. Authorities believe evidence such as semen, hair, or blood could help confirm the charges.

CCTV footage from the college shows the survivor being dragged into the guard room by the accused, confirming parts of her complaint. She has also alleged she was photographed, filmed, and threatened with a hockey stick during the assault. A medical exam noted bruises on her body, including around her neck.

Accused's Background and Questions on Security

A former classmate of Mishra revealed he was earlier named in a 2013 attempted murder case. His father, meanwhile, has questioned the college’s security arrangements, wondering why guards were missing when the assault occurred. The BJP has now formed a fact-finding committee and demanded the resignation of West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee over the incident.