Law College Students Return— Nearly three weeks after a shocking gang rape incident jolted a South Kolkata law college, students cautiously began returning to campus to collect their admit cards for the first-semester BA-LLB examinations. The mood remained tense and somber, with heightened security and controlled movement marking the beginning of what authorities hope will be a step toward restoring academic normalcy.
The college administration resumed operations with a restricted schedule, distributing admit cards for BA-LLB and supplementary candidates in a two-hour window, between 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Students were informed via WhatsApp messages and notice boards that their safety would be ensured and urged to come without fear.
Fear Still Lingers on Campus
Despite the formal reassurances, many students arrived with visible hesitation. The memory of the horrific June 25 assault, in which a first-year student was sexually assaulted within college premises after submitting her exam form, is still fresh in their minds. The incident sent shockwaves through the student community, especially among women, who now question the safety of the very campus that was supposed to be a place of learning.
One first-year student who came to collect her admit card shared her unease: “We were told that everything is under control, but that fear is still there. How can something so horrific happen on campus and nobody know anything?”
Students now enter the college premises only after strict ID verification, and loitering is actively discouraged. The college has stationed security guards and installed CCTV cameras, although many argue these actions are too little, too late.
Zero Attendance Reflects Trauma
In the wake of the assault, attendance has taken a hit. Notably, on the day following the incident and even in subsequent weeks, classes saw almost no attendance. Students cited mental distress, safety concerns, and parental fears as primary reasons for staying away. Some also pointed to inadequate action by college authorities in the immediate aftermath.
While the administration cited weather conditions for the sparse turnout on certain days, the student body was unconvinced. For many, returning to campus felt like returning to a crime scene where questions remain unanswered.
A System Under Scrutiny
Beyond the immediate trauma, the incident has exposed deep-rooted structural issues within the institution. Allegations have surfaced regarding mismanagement, lack of administrative transparency, and irregularities in admissions over the past several years.
The prime accused in the gang rape case—an ex-student with known political connections—has reportedly been involved in facilitating admissions and allegedly exerting influence on college affairs despite no official position. Students have long accused certain individuals of operating unchecked under the guise of student politics, often intimidating peers and staff alike.
Calls for a clean-up of campus politics have gained momentum, with several students now demanding an impartial investigation not just into the assault case, but also into how politically motivated individuals were allowed to operate freely within academic spaces.
Reform Demands Grow Louder
In light of the incident, students and activists have put forward a series of demands:
- Formation of an independent inquiry committee to investigate the assault and expose any institutional complicity.
- Immediate suspension of all unauthorized individuals operating on campus in the name of student politics.
- Full audit of admissions records over the past 5–8 years to detect irregularities and possible bribery.
- Deployment of permanent security personnel, especially around entry points, stairwells, and washroom areas.
- Implementation of a student safety cell and functioning grievance redressal mechanism in line with UGC guidelines.
Faculty members and student bodies from other affiliated colleges have also shown solidarity with the students, stating that the problem is not limited to one college but is reflective of a larger issue across certain Kolkata-based institutions.
Students Caught Between Exams and Insecurity
For many students, especially those in their first year, the emotional strain is compounded by academic pressure. With exam dates approaching, students are being forced to choose between personal safety and academic continuity.
“I came back only because I need to appear for exams,” said a student from the BA-LLB programme. “But I won’t feel safe here until we see real action, not just token measures.”
Parents, too, have expressed concern. Several have reportedly written to the college principal and university authorities, urging them to either shift exams to an alternative venue or deploy law enforcement at the campus during examination hours.
Administration’s Response So Far
In response to public outrage, the college has:
- Restricted campus entry only to students with valid college IDs.
- Hired additional security staff for the exam period.
- Installed a limited number of CCTV cameras.
- Sent out assurances via WhatsApp and official notices urging students not to panic.
However, critics argue that these measures fall short of addressing the deeper governance issues at play. Many are now looking to the affiliating University of Calcutta for stronger oversight and action against errant college officials who may have overlooked or allowed the institutional rot to fester.
A Defining Moment for Campus Culture
This incident has sparked broader discussions around safety, gender, and politics within academic spaces. While colleges across Kolkata have historically been associated with active student politics, this case has cast a harsh spotlight on how unchecked political influence can sometimes endanger academic integrity and student safety.
Women students are particularly demanding a more gender-sensitive environment, calling for awareness sessions, functional Internal Complaints Committees (ICC), and clear action protocols in case of harassment or threat.
The South Kolkata college now finds itself at a crossroads: it can either become a symbol of much-needed reform or continue down a path of eroded credibility and institutional decay.
Law College Students Return: What Comes Next?
As the college attempts to proceed with exams and stabilize day-to-day functions, students, faculty, and the larger community await the results of ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile, pressure mounts on the university and state authorities to ensure justice for the survivor, accountability for the accused, and safety for all students moving forward.
This is not just a story about one campus—it is a call to re-evaluate how educational institutions safeguard those who walk through their gates in pursuit of learning.
External Links
- Times of India – Students return for admit cards at law college
- South Calcutta Law College – Official Website
- University of Calcutta – Affiliating Body
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