New revelations in the Kolkata law college rape case have shed light on the disturbing influence of the prime accused, Monojit Mishra known on campus as ‘Mango’, whose presence reportedly caused several female students to avoid attending classes for fear of harassment.
Mishra, a former student turned contractual staff member, is the main accused in the June 25 rape of a 24-year-old law student within the college premises after class hours. According to the police, two other students- Pramit Mukhopadhyay and Zaib Ahmed have been arrested for allegedly filming the assault with the intent to blackmail the survivor. A campus security guard has also been taken into custody for aiding the accused.
Speaking to NDTV, former student Titas Manna, who joined the college in 2012, described Mishra’s long and troubling history on campus. Manna said Mishra disappeared in 2014 after being named in an attempted murder case. “He resurfaced in 2017 and tried to re-enter college politics but was denied a place in the students’ union due to his criminal background,” Manna said.
Mishra then rejoined as a first-year student and quickly developed a notorious reputation for intimidating students, especially women. “He brought outsiders to campus, instigated violence, misbehaved with female students, and got into drunken altercations,” said Manna. A decision was eventually taken by students and faculty to bar him from campus activities, allowing entry only during examinations.
From 2018 to 2022, Mishra was not actively involved in college affairs but maintained a menacing presence outside the campus gates, often accompanied by a group of followers. Reports of harassment, including a 2022 police complaint, further fueled concerns among students. “He once hit someone on the head. There was no fear of consequences,” Manna added.
Despite this history, Mishra was later appointed to a contractual position at the college; a move now under heavy scrutiny. Allegations of political patronage have surfaced, with critics questioning why someone with multiple criminal cases was allowed to work at an educational institution.
“There’s been no active students’ union in recent years. After older batches graduated, he filled the leadership void by declaring himself the de facto president. New students began associating with him out of fear or influence,” Manna said.
According to Manna, Mishra’s return to campus had a direct impact on the attendance of female students. “Girls were scared. They stopped coming to class just to avoid him. He was aggressive and disrespectful toward everyone- teachers, students, even the principal.”
Despite several prior complaints and arrests, Mishra reportedly continued his disruptive behavior due to procedural delays and repeated bail. “It’s not accurate to say no one tried to stop him. The college even wrote to the police in 2018 requesting added security, but he always managed to come back,” Manna said.
Following the June 25 incident, more survivors and witnesses are now stepping forward. “He followed a pattern- luring women under the pretense of needing help, and then harassing or assaulting them. Many were too afraid to report him earlier. Now, I believe more people will find the courage to speak up,” Manna concluded.
As the investigation continues, public anger is growing over the failure of both the college administration and law enforcement to act decisively against a known repeat offender
