What Are the Security Concerns Raised by the IIM-Calcutta Incident?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Security Measures: The incident points to potential lapses in campus security protocols.
- Access Control: Questions arise regarding how an outsider accessed restricted areas.
- Investigation: A thorough investigation is underway to hold those responsible accountable.
- Campus Safety: The safety of students and visitors must be prioritized by educational institutions.
- Awareness: This incident highlights the need for increased awareness and better security training.
Kolkata, July 12 (NationPress) Significant apprehensions have arisen regarding the safety measures at the Indian Institute of Management-Calcutta (IIM-C), following an incident where a woman was reportedly raped in the boys’ hostel on the southern Kolkata campus on Friday night.
Initial reports suggested that the victim was a student at IIM-C. However, police later clarified that she was not affiliated with the institute, but was known to the alleged perpetrator, a second-year student of IIM-C, via social media.
This incident raises serious questions about how an outsider was allowed entry into the campus during the late hours and why security personnel permitted her access without recording her name in the visitor’s logbook. Concerns have been expressed over how, once on campus, she was allowed into the boys' hostel, where female visitors are typically prohibited.
According to her complaints filed at the Haridevpur Police station, she attempted to sign the visitors’ logbook, but the accused prevented her from doing so.
This situation has prompted a thorough examination of the security staff's actions, particularly whether the accused had any undue leverage within the hostel that enabled him to circumvent standard procedures.
While the police have yet to officially release the identity of the accused, it has come to light that he is from Bengaluru and enrolled in the postgraduate management (PGDM) program at IIM-C in 2023 after successfully passing the Common Admission Test (CAT).
Meanwhile, law enforcement has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the case. IIM-C staff, particularly security personnel, are currently being interrogated, and surveillance footage from campus CCTV systems is under review.