Did Kolkata Law College Overlook Criminal Background of Rape Accused?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- College authorities allegedly ignored criminal records.
- Monojit Mishra has a history of violence and harassment.
- Concerns raised about the FIR's use of initials.
- Insider claims of political influence.
- Calls for accountability and reform in educational institutions.
Kolkata, June 30 (NationPress) The investigation into the rape of a law student on the college grounds at Kasba in South Kolkata, West Bengal, has revealed that the authorities allegedly disregarded the criminal history of one of the three main suspects, Monojit Mishra, when he was hired for a contractual position.
Reports indicate that Mishra first enrolled in the LLB program at the college in 2012.
In 2013, he faced legal action for hooliganism in the Kalighat area, where he reportedly severed a man's finger.
His admission was subsequently revoked, and he evaded law enforcement for over three years. After resolving the legal issues, he returned to Kolkata and re-enrolled in 2017.
In March 2018, two female students accused him of sexual harassment, leading to a temporary suspension that only permitted him to take exams. However, the case lingered and he resumed regular attendance.
In March 2023, another female student accused him of sexual harassment. By December 2023, students lodged a police complaint, alleging Mishra had entered the college with outside anti-social elements and assaulted them.
This situation has raised serious concerns about the college’s decision to grant him a contract despite his criminal past.
Insiders have suggested that Mishra was a close associate of a ruling party MLA, who is part of the college's governing body and whom Mishra referred to as “uncle.”
There are also questions regarding the use of only initials for the three accused in the FIR related to the rape of the law student instead of their full names.
The accused, Monojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, are all associated with the Trinamool Congress' student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP).
However, the FIR referred to them simply as “M,” “J,” and “P.”
Opposition party leaders have alleged that the police's use of initials was an attempt to obscure the connection to TMCP, while legal experts have indicated that there was no legitimate reason for this practice.