The investigation into the alleged gang-rape of a 24-year-old law student inside a college premises in South Kolkata’s Kasba area has taken a crucial turn. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case has recovered vital forensic evidence and is now piecing together a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the crime.
CCTV Evidence Corroborated by Clothing Recovery
One of the key breakthroughs came when the SIT in Kolkata recovered clothing from the residence of the prime accused, identified as Zaib Ahmed, 19. The clothes, a red kurta and brown pants with six pockets match what Ahmed was seen wearing in CCTV footage from the night of the assault. A pair of black shorts was also recovered.
“These garments are now key forensic evidence in the case,” a police officer said, noting that the items have been sent for forensic examination. The match between CCTV visuals and recovered physical evidence is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the case.
Searches were also conducted at the homes of the other two accused, Manojit Mishra (31) and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), along with Pinaki Banerjee (55), the night-shift security guard at the college in Kolkata. Multiple items, including clothing and electronic devices, were seized for further examination.
Another Woman Eyed as Witness
Investigators revealed that during the assault, the accused snatched the mobile phone of Pinaki Banerjee, possibly to prevent him from alerting authorities or calling for help. Banerjee has been cooperating with police and disclosed that another female student was present inside the college’s union room for most of the day. She reportedly left the premises around 8:30 p.m., just before the crime occurred.
The SIT is now working to identify and summon the woman for questioning, considering her a possible witness or source of key contextual information.
Campus Timeline Under Review
A list of 17 individuals who were present on the Kolkata college campus after 4 p.m. on the day of the incident has been drawn up. Two of them have already been questioned, and the remaining individuals are expected to be called in over the next few days. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage, call records, and data from seized mobile devices.
The SIT is further investigating whether the accused were using any digital means of communication or coordination, which could add another layer of evidence to the case.
Political Controversy: BJP Alleges TMC Shielding
Amid growing public outrage, the case has now sparked a political firestorm. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of shielding the accused, particularly Zaib Ahmed, by raising questions about his college admission.
“Who is protecting him? How did someone like Zaib Ahmed gain entry into a college without scrutiny?” a BJP spokesperson asked. The party suggested that political connections or influence may have played a role and has demanded a probe into possible administrative lapses or political favoritism.
While the TMC has not officially responded to the allegations, party insiders have dismissed the BJP’s comments as political opportunism amid a serious criminal investigation.
What’s Next
The SIT in Kolkata is under pressure to swiftly conclude a thorough, impartial investigation. With forensic tests underway, and digital evidence being analyzed, authorities are hopeful of filing a strong chargesheet backed by physical proof and eyewitness accounts.
The case has triggered intense public and media scrutiny, reigniting concerns over campus safety, systemic failures, and political interference in the justice process.