Kolkata home tutor arrested for sexually assaulting Class 12 student
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A home tutor in north Kolkata has been arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a Class 12 student after allegedly drugging her at his residence, police confirmed on Sunday, 12 July. The case was registered at the Lake Town police station, and the accused was produced before the Bidhannagar court on Sunday following his arrest on Saturday night.
What Allegedly Happened
According to police, the tutor called the student to his home for a tutoring session approximately four days before the arrest. The girl alleged that the tutor gave her a drink laced with drugs, after which she lost consciousness within minutes. The tutor allegedly sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious.
Upon regaining consciousness, the student fell ill and returned home alone. She subsequently disclosed the incident to her parents, who filed a written complaint at the Lake Town police station. The accused was arrested on the basis of that complaint on Saturday night.
Court Hearing and Accused's Claims
The arrested tutor was produced before the Bidhannagar court on Sunday. Police requested judicial custody for further investigation. The accused, on his way to court, denied the allegations, claiming he was innocent and had been framed. The court, however, remanded him to police custody following the hearing.
Broader Context: Rising Cases in West Bengal
The incident follows close on the heels of the brutal rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district. Four persons have been arrested in connection with that crime. One of the accused, Pravas Mondal, was killed in a police encounter last week after allegedly attempting to snatch a firearm from an escorting officer and flee custody.
Notably, West Bengal Police on Sunday also changed the investigating officer (IO) for the Baruipur case, appointing Santanu Mukhopadhyay, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP)-rank officer, to lead the probe. The two previous IOs — both inspector-rank officers — had been replaced in succession, signalling mounting pressure on the force to demonstrate accountability.
Investigation Status
Police have initiated a formal investigation into the Lake Town assault case. The survivor's medical examination and forensic evidence will be central to building the prosecution's case. With the accused in police custody, investigators are expected to seek further remand as the probe progresses.