A disturbing incident at a Kolkata college has come to light, where a 24-year-old law student has alleged rape by an alumnus and two current students on campus. The student identified the main accused as Monojit Mishra, who allegedly exploited her vulnerability following a panic attack. According to the complaint, Mishra instructed a co-accused to fetch an inhaler, offering temporary relief to the survivor, who then attempted to escape, only to find the main gate locked. Monijit, along with co-accused Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, allegedly committed the assault, with the latter two recording the incident.
This incident comes less than a year after another heinous crime in the city, the rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College, raising serious questions about the safety of women. The ruling Trinamool Congress, already under scrutiny, faces intensified criticism due to Monijit's alleged political connections. Although the Trinamool asserts that justice will be served irrespective of any affiliations, the Opposition has pointed fingers, suggesting that such ties offer protection to the accused.
The survivor detailed her ordeal in a complaint, stating that the incident occurred on June 25 after a political meeting on campus. She recounted Monojit's attempts to coerce her into a sexual encounter, which she resisted, professing her love for her boyfriend. Despite her pleas, Monojit persisted, leading to her panic attack and subsequent inhaler request. Her escape attempt failed as the exit was barricaded.
Zaib and Pramit, as reported, forcibly moved her to another room. In a heartbreaking plea, she described beseeching Monojit for freedom, only to be led to further isolation. CCTV footage corroborated her claims, capturing the forceful escort to the room. The survivor's testimony highlighted Monojit's threats to harm her loved ones and blackmail her using illicit recordings made during the attack.
During the ordeal, she sustained a head injury and was further threatened with a hockey stick, at which point she feigned being lifeless to withstand the abuse. Post-assault, Monojit coerced her into silence, after which she contacted her father to retrieve her from the location.
The allegations are backed by CCTV evidence and have been further validated by local media, who confirmed the purchase of an inhaler at the time mentioned in the complaint, from a nearby medical store. The incident has put the Trinamool government under the spotlight, demanding urgent attention and action against those responsible.