Kolkata Law Student Gang-Rape Case — In a dramatic new development in the ongoing Kolkata law college gang-rape case, the girlfriend of main accused Monojit “Mango” Mishra has publicly claimed harassment from police and media, saying she “can’t take it anymore.” Her plea adds a fresh layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, raising questions about investigative conduct, media ethics, and campus political culture.
The Girlfriend’s Allegations
Ms. S, who was in a relationship with Monojit and identified through earlier chargesheets, spoke out during a police summons. She alleges:
- Media intrusion: She faced doorstep questioning by journalists and pressure to give recorded statements.
- Police harassment: Multiple summonses and questioning disrupted her personal life and routine.
- Safety concerns: She believes her name is being used to target Monojit’s network, even though she denies involvement.
In her emotional statement she said:
“I can’t take it anymore… I just want to live my life without being hounded every day.”
Her claims prompted student activists and legal aid groups to demand that investigators uphold her rights and undergo procedural scrutiny.
Context: Kolkata Law Student Gang-Rape Case
- On June 25, a first-year law student was allegedly raped inside the college union room by Monojit and two students. A security guard is also arrested.
- CCTV footage, phone data, and initial confessions suggest the crime was recorded and possibly used for manipulation.
- Monojit and two students are charged under Section 376 (rape), 342 (wrongful confinement), and 503 (criminal intimidation), among others.
- The police have obtained a narco test affidavit from Monojit to bolster the case.
Legal Principles for Third-Party Summoning
Under Indian law:
- Authorities must justify summons with clear relevance or suspicion.
- Summoned individuals have rights including legal counsel, reasonable notice, and respectful treatment.
- Media must follow established standards: no outing of third parties or re-traumatization.
Ms. S’s legal representatives have filed formal objections citing harassment of witnesses and chilling effects on co-operative testimonies.
Investigation vs. Individual Rights
Investigators explain that Ms. S’s presence is relevant due to:
- Possible digital evidence (chat records, GPS, last-seen messages)
- Allegations that she may have known or participated in events surrounding the crime
However, experts warn that overly aggressive questioning without proper breaks, legal representation, or explicit cause can violate civil rights and shift focus away from building evidence.
Media Ethics in Sensitive Cases
Student forums and women’s rights groups have criticized media intrusion:
- Late-night calls and doorstep visits affecting mental well-being
- Baseless linking of Ms. S to the rape board video, amplifying rumors
- Insufficient verification before airing allegations
Several petitions urge the Press Council of India to ensure responsible standards, especially during ongoing investigations.
Campus Politics and Image Management
Since the incident broke:
- The college has sealed student union rooms and increased surveillance.
- Student groups have demanded safe spaces free from political influence.
- The accused’s girlfriend claims she is being targeted due to her proximity to power in union politics—not out of evidence-based suspicion.
Academic disruptions persist, with interns and exams still in limbo as tensions flare.
Support & Advocacy Groups
Civil society organizations have stepped in:
- A student legal aid cell is offering Ms. S counsel and negotiation with police.
- Gender rights NGOs are monitoring her treatment, citing the need for fair process.
- Proposals are on the table to allow anonymous statements and third-party monitoring during sensitive summons to prevent intimidation.
What Lies Ahead?
- Court review: Her legal team may petition for quashing summons unless proper cause is shown.
- Transparency tools: NGOs may seek access to investigation logs to monitor fairness.
- Campus reforms: A demand for comprehensive rules protecting witnesses, restricting harassment, and depoliticizing student spaces is growing.
- Media guidelines: Student-minded publications are pushing for protective news protocols during sensitive cases.
External References
- India Code – Indian Penal Code (Sections 166A, 164, etc.): https://www.indiacode.nic.in
- Press Council of India – Media conduct guidelines during sensitive cases: https://presscouncil.nic.in
- UGC – Safety protocols in educational institutions: https://www.ugc.gov.in
- NCW – Guidelines on protecting third-party witnesses in rape investigations: https://ncw.nic.in
Final Reflection
As the case enters a new phase, balancing fair investigation with rights protection for third parties becomes critical. Ms. S’s pain is real and her rights are established under democratic law. Ensuring due process will not derail justice—it will reinforce public trust in the system’s fairness.
At the same time, student voices and institutional reforms must continue to build safer campuses, trauma-informed reporting, and rights-sensitive investigation frameworks so that justice is done without collateral harm.
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