Kolkata Rape: Monojit Mishra ‘Tore Woman’s Clothes’, Ex-Student Details 'Intimidation, Sexual Harassment'
A Kolkata law college is embroiled in controversy after a gang rape allegation against former student Monojit Mishra, who allegedly had a history of harassment and political protection.
As an alleged gang rape at a prominent Kolkata law college has sparked outrage, the accused are also facing allegations of intimidation, repeated complaints along with claims of political patronage shielding. The arrest of Monojit ‘Mango’ Mishra—a former student turned college employee—along with two co-accused, has led to insiders speaking about repeatedly ignored complaints against them.
According to a former student who spoke to NDTV on condition of anonymity, Monojit ‘Mango’ Mishra’s reputation on the Kolkata law college campus was so fearsome that many women students avoided classes just to stay out of his way. “There was an atmosphere of intimidation on the campus. He used to click photos of female students, morph them and circulate them on WhatsApp groups. He also sexually harassed them. There was so much intimidation that students were scared to attend classes,” she said.
She further detailed how Mishra, an alumnus-turned-contractual employee, had a history of violent and abusive behaviour spanning years. In 2019, he allegedly assaulted a woman by tearing off her clothes, while in 2024, he was accused of beating a security guard and vandalising college property. Despite numerous FIRs lodged against him, no action was taken due to his “political influence.” “He was so politically safeguarded by the Trinamool Congress that nobody dared to touch him,” she added, as quoted by NDTV.
She also alleged, “I don’t think there is any girl (in college) who wasn’t harassed by him (Monojit). There were many complaints. Even his parents disowned him.”
College Governing Body Suspends Accused After Arrests
The South Calcutta Law College authorities have terminated Mishra’s services and expelled his co-accused, Pramit Mukhopadhyay and Zaib Ahmed, following a governing body meeting chaired by Trinamool Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Deb, news agency PTI reported. “It has been decided to terminate the services of Mishra, while the two other students will be expelled with immediate effect. The college will maintain no connection with the accused. The security agency, assigned with the security of the college premises, will also be showcaused,” Deb told reporters.
The arrests came after the 24-year-old law student alleged that Mishra raped her on campus on June 25, while the other two recorded videos to later blackmail her. A security guard was also arrested in connection with the incident.
Records show Mishra’s history of violence began years ago. He was rusticated in 2013 for allegedly stabbing a youth on Chetla Bridge but resurfaced at the college in 2017 and graduated in 2022. Former student Titas Manna told a local news channel that Mishra led a mob to vandalise college premises in December 2016, but “FIRs and counter-FIRs were lodged at the Kasba police station in connection with the incident, but for some unknown reason, the cases got dropped.”
PTI reported that it accessed copies of at least seven formal complaints and FIRs against Mishra, including multiple sexual assault allegations across south Kolkata police stations, besides the recent gang rape FIR.
College authorities are also seeking the cancellation of Mishra’s Bar Council membership. Vice-principal Nayna Chatterji confirmed Mishra’s appointment had been on a 45-day renewable contractual basis and stated, “We have not only expelled the accused, but want the highest punishment for the perpetrators.”
Enhanced CCTV Surveillance, Female Security Guards: Kolkata Campus Safety Revamp Amid Uproar
The governing body announced several immediate steps, including enhanced CCTV surveillance, deployment of female security guards, and replacing the current security agency, according to college teaching representative Haripada Banik. Financial assistance for the survivor’s medical expenses has also been offered.
The Trinamool Congress has now distanced itself from Mishra, but opposition parties allege that the ruling party’s protection enabled him to carry out crimes with impunity. Meanwhile, the college remains closed temporarily, although exams will proceed on schedule with administrative offices open for students.
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