Kolkata B School Student Granted Bail — A 26-year-old MBA student from a leading Kolkata business school, who was arrested on charges of sexual assault, has been granted conditional bail and is set to resume academic activities. The court, while allowing his temporary release, imposed multiple safeguards to ensure compliance with the ongoing investigation and the sensitive nature of the case.
Bail Approval and Court Observations
The Alipore court granted bail after considering the delays in procedural steps during the investigation. In its order, the court noted that:
- The survivor’s statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code was not recorded promptly.
- The complainant missed three scheduled appearances before the magistrate.
- She did not submit critical evidence, such as her mobile phone, clothes, or consent for medical examination.
These procedural lapses were viewed as significant, leading the judge to grant conditional bail to the accused.
Bail Conditions Imposed
The student, identified as Paramanand Toppannawar, has been released on a bail bond of ₹50,000 (₹25,000 in cash and ₹25,000 as a personal bond). The court directed the following:
- He must stay within West Bengal during the investigation period.
- His passport must be surrendered to prevent any overseas travel.
- He must report to the investigating officer at Haridevpur police station every alternate day.
- He is permitted to attend classes but must reside off-campus, accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- The hostel room, currently sealed for evidence collection, remains inaccessible to him.
Campus Response and Institutional Action
The business school administration, while upholding the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, has acknowledged the situation’s sensitivity. Officials confirmed that:
- There is no legal bar preventing the student from attending classes.
- However, he will not be allowed into the hostel or any student accommodation until the investigation concludes.
- The college has constituted an internal committee to assess safety concerns and review student grievances related to the case.
- The survivor, who had initially filed the complaint, is not currently attending campus activities.
An official from the academic affairs division said, “We are closely monitoring developments. We’re also providing psychological support resources to students and have zero tolerance for any form of harassment.”
Case Background and Allegations
The accused was arrested in connection with a complaint filed by a female student, who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by him at his hostel room earlier this month. The allegation triggered immediate police action, leading to his arrest and a formal investigation.
The survivor later informed authorities that she and the accused had met through a dating app and were in touch prior to the incident. The accused’s legal counsel argued that the encounter was consensual and that the delay and lack of evidence from the complainant should be considered during the bail hearing.
Kolkata B School Student Granted Bail: Legal and Societal Reactions
The case has sparked discussions within academic and legal circles about campus safety, fair investigation, and the impact of public discourse on such matters. While some legal experts praised the court’s emphasis on due process, others highlighted the importance of maintaining survivor safety and privacy.
Student welfare bodies within the institution have also requested the administration to reinforce grievance redressal mechanisms and gender sensitization programmes.
Investigation Status
The investigation is ongoing, with the following points pending:
- Recovery and submission of digital and physical evidence from both parties.
- Forensic examination of the sealed hostel room.
- Statement of the complainant under Section 164 CrPC (to be scheduled again).
Law enforcement sources confirmed that they are working in coordination with the college administration to ensure that the investigation does not interfere with academic activities or student safety.
The Road Ahead
While Paramanand will be allowed to pursue his education, his movement and activities remain closely monitored. The business school is expected to release a formal code of conduct update that includes bail-related protocols for students under investigation.
External Official References
- Ministry of Law and Justice – CrPC
- University Grants Commission (UGC) – Gender Sensitization Guidelines
- West Bengal Police – Haridevpur Police Station
- National Commission for Women
- Ministry of Education – Campus Safety Framework
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