Kolkata Gang Rape: Lawyer Moves Supreme Court Seeks CBI Probe & Action Against TMC Leaders

The petition, filed on June 30, calls for a judicially monitored CBI investigation, the framing of institutional safety protocols for legal professionals, and strict action against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders Kalyan Banerjee and Madan Mitra for allegedly engaging in systematic victim-shaming following the incident.

The lawyer a known voice in matters concerning the safety of professionals and previously instrumental in securing judicial intervention in the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case in 2024, has framed the incident as “not merely an individual tragedy, but a direct assault on the independence, dignity, and safety of the legal profession.”

The letter petition highlights an emerging pattern of professional targeting in West Bengal, citing the RG Kar Medical College case and drawing parallels to the current incident involving a member of the legal community.

The petition also points to a hostile atmosphere created by political leaders’ public statements, which allegedly sought to discredit and shame the victim, thereby chilling the confidence and freedom of women lawyers across the state.

It emphasizes that such conduct by elected representatives has undermined constitutional values and weakened the rule of law, warranting the Supreme Court’s urgent attention. “The systematic use of media to humiliate a young law student who survived a brutal crime sends a devastating message to all professionals who rely on constitutional mechanisms for justice,” the plea states.

Singh’s plea seeks:

1. Suo moto cognizance of the gang rape and its broader implications for professional safety;

2. A CBI probe under judicial supervision to ensure transparency and shield the investigation from political influence;

3. Immediate action against TMC leaders for their derogatory remarks and attempts to malign the survivor;

4. The formulation of a judicially mandated advocate protection framework, particularly for women professionals;

5. Long-term institutional reforms to restore faith in the state’s legal and law enforcement mechanisms.

6. Direct the State of West Bengal to pay interim compensation of Rs. 50 lakhs to the victim for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and legal expenses, pending final determination of compensation.

The alleged incident occurred on June 25, 2025, inside the premises of the law college in Kolkata’s Kasba area. The student, who had visited the campus for examination-related formalities, was allegedly gang-raped between 7:30 PM and 8:50 PM.

According to her statement, she was assaulted by four individuals; Manojit Mishra (31), a former student and contractual non-teaching staff member; Zaib Ahmed (19), a first-year student; Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), another student; and Pinaki Banerjee (55), a college security guard.

All four accused were arrested by the Kolkata Police within 24 hours of the complaint being filed. They are currently in police custody until July 1, 2025.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has also taken cognizance of the matter and urged state authorities to conduct a time-bound and impartial investigation.

The survivor alleged that the accused forcibly stripped her, sexually assaulted her, and issued threats of arrest against her parents if she reported the crime. A medical examination confirmed signs of gang rape, with abrasion marks documented around her neck and chest.

A nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Kolkata Police has recovered CCTV footage and seized key evidence from the students’ union room, a washroom, and the guard’s room. The items include hair strands, alcohol bottles with unidentified liquid contents, and a hockey stick, indicative of a violent struggle.