Introduction
A PIL was filed in the Calcutta High Court on June 30, 2025, for the transfer of the investigation of the gangrape of a law student in her college to the CBI. The case has brought to light nationwide outrage, with people demanding justice and responsibility.
Background
The victim, a South Kolkata Law College law student, claimed she had been gang raped on June 25 by a former student and two students of the college. The prime accused, Manojit Mishra, is said to hold a position in the college and is supposed to have close political ties. Two other accused students, Promit Mukherjee and Zaid Ahmed, and a college guard have also been taken into custody by the Kolkata Police.
Based on the complaint, the Kolkata Police constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an assistant commissioner rank officer to investigate the issue.
Key Points
Transfer of Investigation to CBI: The petitioner, Vijay Kumar Singhal, sought to transfer the investigation from Kolkata Police to the CBI for impartiality. It was accused that the prime accused, Manojit Mishra, is politically influential and therefore might affect the investigation.
Request for Preliminary Inquiry and Interim Report: The PIL requested that the CBI be ordered to undertake a preliminary inquiry and furnish an interim report to the court.
Compensation for Survivor: The petitioner also requested direction from the state to compensate the survivor and her family members.
Safety Measures in Educational Institutions: The PIL contained a prayer to appoint female civic volunteers in government educational institutions to increase women students’ safety throughout West Bengal.
Recent Developments
A division bench headed by Justice Soumen Sen has permitted three lawyers to register separate PILs about the case. The petitions seek a court-monitored investigation and institutional security arrangements in colleges. The PIL filed by Vijay Kumar Singhal was registered later on the same day. The cases are likely to be heard later this week. In the meantime, street protests have broken out in Kolkata, including torch processions, seeking justice for the survivor and stern action against the accused.
Conclusion
The gang rape of a law student in a leading Kolkata college has led to judicial intervention, public outcry, and calls for institutional accountability. With grave charges of political interference and institutional breakdown, the Calcutta High Court’s treatment of the PILs—particularly the petition for a CBI inquiry—will decide the direction of justice in this case. The coming days will be important as the Court hears the case and considers the merits of handing over the probe and taking protective steps within educational institutions.
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WRITTEN BY AYUSHI TRIVEDI
