CCTV footage from South Calcutta Law College has corroborated allegations of gang rape made by a first-year student in her written complaint to Kolkata Police. Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has expanded from five to nine members to expedite the ongoing investigation.
The footage, which covers a seven-hour period on June 25, reportedly captured the movements of the victim, the three accused individuals, and the college security guard. It also captured the moment the victim was forcibly taken into the guard’s room, where the assault allegedly took place.
“The CCTV footage confirms the girl’s allegations. It shows the movements of the three accused, the security guard, and the victim. We are currently examining the footage,” an officer told news agency PTI.
Investigators have also collected evidence from multiple locations within the campus, such as the students’ union room, a washroom, and the guard’s room. Items seized include strands of hair, bottles containing unidentified liquids, and a hockey stick, all of which are undergoing forensic analysis.
Police noted visible signs of struggle in these areas, further corroborating the victim’s account.
4, Including Security Guard, Arrested; Probe Underway
The incident allegedly occurred after the victim rejected a marriage proposal from one of the accused, Manojit Mishra, an alumnus and ad-hoc staff member. Mishra, along with current students Pratim Mukherjee and Zaib Ahmed, was arrested following the complaint.
The college security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, was also detained and subsequently arrested after failing to provide coherent responses during questioning. Authorities stated that the guard did not intervene and left the scene as the crime unfolded.
A 1.5-minute video clip related to the incident was recovered from a mobile phone belonging to one of the suspects. Forensic experts are examining whether the video was shared or deleted.
In response to the incident, Kolkata Police on Saturday had formed a five-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Assistant Commissioner of Police (South Suburban Division), Pradip Ghoshal, to oversee the case. The members of the SIT have now increased to nine, The Indian Express reported.
The SIT is expected to record confidential statements from the victim and her parents as part of the ongoing investigation.
On Saturday, the survivor was taken to the college for reconstruction of the crime. She even recorded her statement before a court in the city.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Saturday wrote to Bengal Chief Secretary, describing the crime as “grave” and calling for urgent action from state authorities.
The NCW has requested a comprehensive internal and external medical examination report of the survivor within three days and emphasised the need for enhanced safety and security measures for the victim and her family.
