A second-year student of IIM-Calcutta accused of sexually assaulting a woman inside a hostel is preparing to approach the court to request a reduction in his police custody period.
His counsel announced on Monday that they will submit a plea before the Alipore Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Kolkata, seeking to shorten the remand duration of Paramananda Toppaunawar, who was detained based on the woman’s complaint.
The day following the alleged assault, the victim’s father stated that his daughter was neither sexually assaulted nor harmed, according to the defense lawyer.
The woman and her family have so far declined to consent to a medico-legal examination.
The court had earlier ordered the accused into police custody until July 19.
The defense questioned why the accused should remain in detention despite the absence of medical corroboration and the father’s statements.
An additional application will be filed, urging the court to instruct the investigating officer to document and safeguard all of the father’s remarks circulating on social media platforms.
According to the woman’s account, she was invited to the boys’ hostel under the pretext of counseling.
There, she alleged she was offered food and drinks that made her unconscious.
When she regained awareness, she found herself inside the hostel and claimed she had been raped while incapacitated.
Police formed a nine-member Special Investigation Team to examine the incident.
Officials said during questioning, the accused confessed to purchasing sedatives from a local pharmacy and mixing them into the beverages.
Investigators have also identified inconsistencies in his statements.