Is the IIM-C Rape Case Investigation Valid with Only Circumstantial Evidence?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The investigation relies heavily on circumstantial evidence.
- Lack of victim cooperation poses significant challenges.
- Forensic reports are pending and critical for the case.
- Contradictory statements from the victim's family add confusion.
- The judicial process is at an impasse without key evidence.
Kolkata, July 16 (NationPress) In the ongoing investigation of the notorious IIM-C rape case, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kolkata Police is facing challenges due to a lack of cooperation from the victim. The probe is currently relying solely on circumstantial evidence.
Despite attempts to engage the victim, who has not appeared in court for her confidential testimonies over two consecutive days (Monday and Tuesday), police officials are struggling to reach her and her family, who have remained unreachable since July 14, according to a senior police source.
The circumstantial evidence under review by the SIT includes CCTV footage from the IIM-C premises, call logs, text messages, and chats from both the victim's and the accused's mobile phones, as well as samples of food and beverages that were allegedly tampered with prior to the crime, along with the clothing worn by the accused.
Yet, the investigation is hindered as authorities await critical forensic reports pertaining to the call logs, messages, and the tampered food and drinks. Furthermore, forensic analysis on the clothing worn by the accused at the time of the incident is still pending.
City Police officials disclosed that the reliance on circumstantial evidence poses significant challenges, particularly given that the victim's confidential statements, her medico-legal examination results, and the clothing she wore during the incident remain unsubmitted.
The victim's absence at the court and her failure to undergo the necessary medical examination have compounded the situation. Additionally, her father's conflicting statements regarding the incident on July 11 have introduced further confusion, as he has consistently asserted that no harm befell his daughter.
Despite a trial court remanding the sole suspect, Parmanand Mahaveer Toppannavar a.k.a. Parmanand Jain (26), to police custody until July 19, the investigation remains at an impasse.