The tragic gang rape incident at South Calcutta Law College has stunned Bengal. Kolkata police have now arrested the college's security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, adding a new dimension to the case, further highlighting its seriousness.
On the night of June 25, a horrific gang rape occurred at South Calcutta Law College. Based on the victim's statement and corroborated facts, three suspects have been apprehended, including a former student leader and two current students.
Guard Pinaki Banerjee was taken into custody after extensive questioning by Kasba Police Station. According to police sources, he was present during the alleged gang rape but stepped away from his guard post, leaving the victim unprotected. Despite her repeated cries for help, he failed to intervene, shirking his duty to safeguard students.
Sources indicate that as the on-duty security guard, he should have notified the college authorities or the police, but neglected both responsibilities. During inquiry, his negligence was evident, leading to his arrest at Kasba Police Station after protracted interrogation. Today, he is set for a court appearance in Alipore.
NCW accuses police of negligence, mishandling
Archana Majumdar, a member of the National Commission for Women (NCW), has questioned the Kolkata Police's handling of the incident. She expressed frustration, saying, “It’s unfortunate that I am in Kolkata, trying to engage with the police, yet no information has been forthcoming. I messaged the South Kolkata SP but received no response, perhaps due to their busy schedules.”
Majumdar also highlighted that while the commission seeks information about the victim's whereabouts, it hasn’t been forthcoming. Allegedly transported to Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, her examination was not conducted there. Instead, she was supposedly taken to Kolkata Medical College, which didn’t occur. Reports now suggest a transfer to NRS Medical College and Hospital, stirring more doubts.
She stated that deliberate delays seem to be hindering the medical investigation, fearing a repeat of mishandling like the RG Kar case. Their focus remains on securing justice and protection for the victim.
Madan Mitra calls for caution, fair probe
In a balanced commentary, TMC MLA Madan Mitra stated, “The law applies equally to all. If there is wrongdoing, justice shall prevail. We don’t intend to shield the guilty, yet it is crucial to ensure innocent individuals aren't punished.”
Emphasizing due process, Mitra advised against premature judgments or media trials, underscoring that even sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita advocate for fairness over connections to power. He recalled the RG Kar Medical College case, where initial concerns led to a justified CBI inquiry that validated the Kolkata Police's actions, costing INR 500 million.
Mitra concluded, “We await further developments to unveil the truth in this complex case.”
