In a crucial development in the investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a student at South Calcutta Law College, the Kolkata Police on Saturday night undertook a detailed reconstruction of the incident at the college premises. The complainant was present during the exercise, which lasted nearly two hours and was fully documented on video.
The reconstruction aimed to corroborate the victim’s account with available forensic and visual evidence. CCTV footage from 3:30 PM to 11 PM on June 25 is currently under detailed examination. A senior officer confirmed that the visuals appeared to align with key elements of the complainant’s statement. “Preliminary analysis suggests a match between the complainant’s statement and the visuals, which show the presence of the three accused students and a security guard near the alleged crime scene. The assault reportedly took place inside the security guard’s room,” the officer said.
On Sunday, a three-member team of the National Commission for Women (NCW) visited the college but they alleged that Kolkata police did not allow them to take photographs of the crime scene. "We did not get access to two sealed rooms and were not allowed to take any photographs. We will mention everything in our report," said NCW's Archana Majumdar.
So far, four individuals have been arrested in connection with the case. These include a former student and local political functionary, two current students, and the 55-year-old security guard on duty at the time of the incident. The main accused, identified as Manajit Mishra, allegedly led the assault, with the two students, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, reportedly aiding him. The guard, Pinaki Banerjee, is believed to have been stationed outside the room during the incident.
Also read: Kolkata gangrape: Medical report confirms assault, guard arrested
The police are probing the role of the security personnel, whose responses during interrogation have been described as “incoherent”. Surveillance footage, however, confirms his presence on campus throughout the period in question. Authorities are verifying whether he was the sole guard posted that evening.
According to police sources, the assault was preceded by an altercation in the college’s union room. The student was then allegedly taken to the security guard’s room, where the assault occurred. The complaint also mentions that no assistance was extended by the guard when she sought help.
To ensure an impartial and swift inquiry, a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed under the leadership of Assistant Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Ghoshal. Legal procedures have been initiated to record the confidential testimonies of the victim and her parents before a magistrate.
Officials are also investigating whether the act was premeditated. Sources involved in the investigation said that "much of the complainant’s written statement is corroborated by CCTV footage". Further analysis of the footage, interrogation of suspects, and collection of digital and forensic evidence remain ongoing.
The case has sparked widespread concern over safety and accountability in educational institutions, with calls for a swift and transparent probe growing louder.
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