Kolkata: Nearly two months after the shocking gang-rape incident inside a law college campus, police on Saturday filed the first charge sheet in the case. The charge sheet names four accused, including the main accused Manojit Mishra, two law students, and a security guard.

Crime on June 25

According to the survivor’s complaint, the crime was committed on the evening of June 25 between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm inside the college campus. She alleged that she was confined and assaulted in a security guard’s room.

Accused named in charge sheet

The 658-page charge sheet, submitted before the Alipore Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court, identifies:

  • Manojit Mishra (31): The main accused, a temporary employee of the college.
  • Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20): Law student.
  • Zaib Ahmed (19): Law student.
  • Pinaki Banerjee (51): College security guard.

Court sources confirmed that Mishra’s DNA matched samples collected from the survivor, strengthening the prosecution’s case.

Evidence and testimonies

The charge sheet contains statements from 80 witnesses, along with medical reports, DNA test results, and forensic examinations. A pen drive with digital evidence has also been submitted.

Public prosecutor Sourin Ghosal said: “This is a fit case of custody trial where we are confident of securing conviction. There is sufficient evidence that corroborates the survivor’s statement.”

Legal provisions invoked

The accused face multiple charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including:

  • BNS 70(1): Gang rape, punishable with a minimum of 20 years rigorous imprisonment, extendable to life.
  • BNS 127(2): Wrongful confinement.
  • BNS 351(3): Criminal intimidation with death or grievous hurt threats.
  • BNS 140(3) & 140(4): Kidnapping or abduction with wrongful confinement or intent to cause grievous harm.
  • BNS 142 & 238: Concealment of abducted persons and destruction of evidence.

Additionally, charges under Sections 67A and 66E of the Information Technology Act have been included.

Timeline of arrests

  • June 25: Survivor’s complaint registered at Kasba police station.
  • June 25 night: Manojit Mishra arrested.
  • June 26: Law students Mukhopadhyay and Ahmed arrested.
  • Later: Security guard Pinaki Banerjee arrested after inconsistencies emerged in his statement.

Conclusion

The case has generated widespread public concern over campus safety and women’s security in Kolkata. With the charge sheet now filed, the trial is expected to begin soon. Authorities have assured that they will seek the harshest punishment for the guilty.