Kasba law student’s ‘rape’: College sacks key accused staff, rusticates 2 students
Kolkata: The governing body of a law college in South Kolkata on Tuesday decided to terminate the services of Monojit Mishra, a temporary staffer, and rusticate two current students, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, all of whom are accused in the alleged gang-rape of a first-year student on the college campus.
The decisions were made during a governing body (GB) meeting held on the college premises and conducted on the ground floor, as per police instructions. GB member Yashabanti Sreemany said: “Mishra’s service has been terminated. The two students named in the FIR are being rusticated. They will not be eligible for admission to any other college. Necessary formalities have already begun.” Mishra, the key accused, was appointed as a casual staffer in mid-2024. GB member Sibranjan Chatterjee alleged that he had concealed the criminal cases pending against him during the application process. “He did not disclose past incidents of violence. Although some within the college were aware of his involvement in earlier disturbances in campus, no police verification was conducted, a common occurrence in casual appointments due to the low salaries offered,” he said. “He will also be asked to return the salary drawn during his tenure.”
Questions have also been raised about how Mishra was appointed, especially since the vice-principal had previously filed an FIR against him. “His disruptive behaviour was known to some, but perhaps not in detail. The decision to appoint him was taken unanimously by the members present,” Chatterjee said. While GB president Ashok Deb said the college would write to the Bar Council to seek cancellation of Mishra’s licence to practise law, vice-principal Nayna Chatterji demanded capital punishment for the main accused. “We want the death penalty. This is a disgraceful and horrifying incident that warrants the harshest punishment,” she said. The GB also formed an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), a UGC-mandated body to handle complaints of sexual harassment.
“An anti-sexual harassment cell existed earlier, but now, in line with government guidelines, we’ve constituted the ICC,” Chatterjee said. The college will also terminate its contract with the current private security agency, one of whose guards was arrested in connection with the incident. A new agency will be hired, and this time it will be mandatory to include female security personnel.
Campus security will be tightened. Entry will be limited to 7 am-2 pm and only students and staff with valid ID cards will be allowed in. Outsiders will have to present valid reasons and supporting documents. Though CCTV cameras are already installed, the college will now issue e-tenders to expand coverage.
While academic classes remain suspended until further notice, administrative and examination-related activities will continue. “Form fill-up for exams is currently underway and the office will stay open for that. The principal will consult police authorities regarding the continued functioning of the office. Once the exams are over, a decision on resuming classes will be taken,” said Sreemany.
The GB has also pledged support for the survivor and her family, including financial assistance with medical treatment. “If the family seeks assistance, the college will cover all medical expenses. We also hope to meet the survivor to extend our support in due course,” Sreemany added.
