Kolkata Police arrested a security guard in the South Calcutta Law College gang rape case, bringing the total arrests to four. The incident raises urgent concerns about campus safety.
Kolkata, June 27: Kolkata Police have arrested a security guard at South Calcutta Law College in connection with the gang rape of a 24-year-old law student. With this arrest, the total number of individuals taken into custody now stands at four. The disturbing incident, which occurred on June 25 inside the college premises, has sparked public outrage and intensified demands for action.
Security Guard’s Involvement Confirmed Through CCTV
Police detained the security guard for questioning earlier this week. After reviewing CCTV footage and finding discrepancies in his statements, officers confirmed his presence during the crime and proceeded with the arrest on Saturday morning.
“We found his responses to be inconsistent and misleading. The CCTV footage clearly places him at the location during the incident,” a senior police officer stated. “He failed to perform his duties and did not intervene to stop the crime. Moreover, we are investigating why he left his post and whether he acted under someone’s instruction.”
Timeline of the Horrific Incident
According to the victim’s written complaint, she had gone to the college to submit a form for a test. After completing the process, three men — including an alumnus and two current students — allegedly forced her to remain in the student union room.
Subsequently, the alumnus, who also works as a criminal lawyer and part-time non-teaching staff at the college, raped her after she rejected his marriage proposal. Meanwhile, the two students allegedly stood outside the room, guarding the door and recording the assault on their mobile phones.
The incident reportedly began around 7:30 PM and lasted until after 10:30 PM. Medical examination results have corroborated the survivor’s allegations, confirming evidence of sexual assault.
Accused’s Political Ties Stir Controversy
As the investigation unfolded, the prime accused’s political connections came under scrutiny. His social media profiles identify him as a former president of the college’s Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) unit and an organizational secretary of the TMC’s South Kolkata student wing.
Additionally, publicly available photos show him posing with several prominent TMC leaders. However, the ruling party has distanced itself from the accused, emphasizing that he holds no current position within the organization.
“If he is found guilty, he must face the strictest punishment,” a TMC spokesperson stated, denying any ongoing affiliation with the accused.
Campus Locked Down Amid Rising Tension
In response to the crime, police have sealed both the guard’s room and the union room — the two locations linked to the incident. Authorities have deployed additional personnel inside and around the college campus, which is located in South Kolkata’s Kasba area. A police picket remains stationed at the main gate to prevent further disturbances.
Although vehicular traffic on the nearby Rashbehari Connector returned to normal on Saturday, the area witnessed significant disruption on Friday. Members of the Left Front, Congress, and BJP staged protests, accusing the TMC-led state government of failing to ensure women’s safety in educational institutions.
“This is not an isolated incident,” one protester said. “It reflects a deeper failure in the administration’s ability to protect women.”
Echoes of Past Tragedies, Demands for Reform Grow Louder
The crime has drawn chilling comparisons to the rape and murder of a medical intern at RG Kar Medical College in August 2023 — a case that similarly rattled the city’s conscience.
This latest assault has reignited conversations about women’s safety on campuses, the misuse of institutional power, and the urgent need for accountability. Students, activists, and opposition leaders alike are calling for structural reforms, improved surveillance, and zero tolerance for sexual crimes.
What’s Next?
As of now, four individuals — including the security guard, two current students, and the main accused — remain in police custody. Investigators are continuing their inquiry to determine if more people were involved or aware of the crime.
The law student, whose courage in reporting the incident has been widely praised, is receiving medical and psychological support. Meanwhile, the public and political pressure on authorities continues to build.
Ultimately, this case has once again highlighted the urgent need to ensure that educational institutions remain safe spaces — not zones of exploitation and fear.