Gang Rape at South Kolkata Law College Sparks Outrage, Raises Questions on CCTV Tampering and Security Lapses

Accused Trinamool leader allegedly had access to college CCTV system; investigation underway into role of authorities

A shocking gang rape incident inside a law college in South Kolkata has not only shaken the student community but also raised serious questions about the role of the authorities and the campus security infrastructure. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night, has taken a disturbing turn with the alleged involvement of Manojit Mishra, a temporary staffer reportedly affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress.

According to sources, the college has several CCTV cameras installed at key entry and exit points to monitor campus activity. The footage is usually monitored by the vice-principal, Nayana Chatterjee, who has access to a live feed through a monitor in her office. However, a new revelation has deepened the controversy — Manojit Mishra also allegedly had access to the CCTV footage on his mobile phone.

Students and staff alike are now asking how such a heinous crime could occur in a college under CCTV surveillance and the watch of security personnel. Some staff and students claim that Manojit would frequently boast about his access to the CCTV feed, using it to intimidate others and flaunt his influence on campus.

On Friday, when questions regarding CCTV access and footage were raised by concerned students and staff, the vice-principal allegedly avoided the topic. She did not respond to calls or messages that night, prompting suspicion of a possible cover-up. Investigators are now probing whether Manojit tampered with the CCTV footage to erase evidence of his role in the incident.

CCTV footage is central to the ongoing police investigation, as it could provide critical visuals of who entered the cultural room, the guard room, and other key areas on the night of the crime. Both rooms have since been sealed by the police, and a forensic team has been dispatched to examine the area. Even Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma visited the college on Saturday to review the situation.

According to frightened students, Manojit often showed CCTV footage to others on his phone, claiming it demonstrated his “power” within the college. This raises further doubts about whether the CCTV footage showing his presence on Wednesday evening is authentic or manipulated. One student said, “He used to show us CCTV clips on his phone like he was in charge. That makes us question what else he could do with that access.”

Teachers — both permanent and temporary — have expressed growing anger at the college’s governing body. They allege that Manojit’s appointment was questionable from the beginning, and that even the former principal Debashish Chatterjee had previously lodged a police complaint against him. Manojit was appointed as a casual worker by the college governing body around seven to eight months ago, reportedly without due diligence.

Despite the growing outrage, Vice-Principal Nayana Chatterjee has remained largely silent on Manojit’s involvement. When contacted by media, she only offered a brief explanation about campus security: “We have one permanent security guard and two temporary guards. Usually, there is one during the day and one at night. Occasionally, there are two.”

The cultural room, where the crime reportedly began, is located on the ground floor and had been repurposed from a student union room due to the long absence of student elections. The premises are under CCTV surveillance, yet the accused was allegedly able to commit the crime in three different locations — the cultural room, a bathroom, and the guard room — without any immediate intervention.

Initial reports suggest that Manojit first assaulted the first-year student in the cultural room, then moved her to the toilet, and finally to the guard room, where he was allegedly joined by two other perpetrators.

As investigations continue, public anger is mounting over what many view as a failure of campus security, administrative negligence, and a potential abuse of power by individuals with political connections. The role of the college administration, particularly regarding CCTV oversight and the hiring of temporary staff, remains under intense scrutiny.