In a sensational twist to the South Kolkata Law College gangrape case, the lawyer representing main accused Monojit Mishra made a controversial public statement, claiming his client is being framed in a conspiracy. Mishra, a former student of the college and leader of the Trinamool Congress’s student wing (TMCP), is among four arrested for the alleged gangrape of a law student on the night of June 25.
Speaking to media outside the court, lawyer Raju Gangopadhyay said, “All the allegations are false. Monojit is being framed. If rape really took place, how can the accused have a love bite on his neck?”
“My client is innocent. He is being targeted deliberately. The matter is sub-judice, so I cannot reveal everything now. But the truth will come out,” he added.
The remarks have drawn widespread criticism, with many calling it insensitive and deeply distressing for the survivor. While the accused’s family echoed the lawyer’s stance and alleged a political conspiracy, civil society groups condemned the statement, saying it would further traumatise the victim.
The police, meanwhile, are tightening their case. State prosecutor Sourin Ghoshal, while seeking an extended 10-day custody for the accused, told the Alipore court that the survivor had a panic attack during the assault and requested an inhaler. “It was not given to help her, but to keep her physically able to endure the attack,” said Ghoshal in his submission in court on Tuesay. The prosecution argued this revealed the premeditated and calculated cruelty of the crime.
The four accused—Monojit Mishra, current students Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, and 55-year-old college security guard Pinaki Banerjee—were not produced in court in person due to angry crowds gathered outside. Legal proceedings continued while the accused remained in police lock-up. The court remanded all accused to police custody till July 8.
While defence lawyers for Monojit, Zaib, and Pramit did not apply for bail, Banerjee’s counsel requested bail, claiming his client had no role in the crime. The prosecution firmly opposed the plea, pointing out that the rape occurred in the guard's room, and Banerjee was present during the incident.
Also read: Kolkata gangrape: Another survivor speaks out against the accused
The police have already traced a significant digital trail. The victim had written in her complaint that she requested an inhaler due to breathing difficulties. She named Zaib as the one who brought it. Investigators later confirmed that an inhaler was purchased at 8:29 p.m. on June 25, with the payment made via UPI. The store’s register listed Zaib’s name, offering concrete proof corroborating the victim’s account.
Call detail records of the accused are also being scrutinised to determine whom they contacted after the crime and before their arrests. “We’re checking whether the college authorities were aware of the incident before the FIR was filed. If so, they could face charges for suppressing such a grave offence,” said a senior officer.
In response to public outrage and mounting pressure, the college administration has expelled the two student accused and terminated Monojit’s temporary staff contract. “There were complaints against him earlier, but no action was taken. He created an atmosphere of fear,” said committee member Haripada Banik.
In the wake of the incident, the college has initiated several reforms which include outsiders banned from campus, new CCTV installation, with security agencies issued show-cause notices, female security guards to be deployed, ID mandatory for entry and students will not be allowed after college hours
The college will remain shut pending clearance from authorities. Once reopened, new timings will be 7 am to 2 pm. A new Internal Complaints Committee will be formed, replacing the inactive one. The college also offered to cover the victim’s medical expenses, if the family agrees. The college has also offered to cover the victim’s medical expenses, pending the family’s consent.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed that the investigation is progressing steadily, with crucial digital and witness evidence under examination. As the probe deepens, public scrutiny continues to mount—not only over the crime but over the political protection that may have emboldened the accused.
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