In the ongoing South Calcutta Law College rape investigation, a 2018 letter accessed exclusively by IndiaToday.in reveals that the college’s former principal had raised serious concerns about the disruptive conduct of the prime accused, Monojit Mishra.
The letter, dated December 12, 2018, was sent to the Kolkata Police Headquarters by then Principal Debasish Chattopadhyay. It expressed apprehension regarding Monojit Mishra’s behaviour.
The letter, addressed to the Joint Commissioner of Police (Headquarters), highlighted Mishra’s history of causing disturbances during college events. It also voiced fears of similar issues during the college’s annual social programme scheduled for December 13, 2018.
Principal Chattopadhyay formally requested adequate security arrangements from the Kolkata Police for the event.
Monojit Mishra, along with two others, was arrested on June 28 for allegedly raping a woman student of South Calcutta Law College. The arrest came a day after the survivor filed a police complaint against them.
The complainant alleged that Mishra, who had previously proposed to her for marriage, which she rejected, raped her while the other two students watched.
Since the rape case surfaced, more students have come forward with disturbing accounts of Monojit Mishra’s intimidation, sexual harassment and physical assault.
One student of the institution accused Mishra of allegedly molesting her and threatening her two years ago. Speaking exclusively to IndiaToday.in, the student said Mishra, a Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad leader, assaulted and threatened her during a college trip. She further claimed that around 15 female students fell victim to his misconduct.
Another student came forward and stated that Mishra used to mentally torture and physically assault students. The student said, “Whoever speaks against ex-students gets tortured. Some are mentally tortured, and those who still don’t get scared are physically assaulted.”
According to the student, a friend was kidnapped and later found lying in a pool of blood. “One of my friends was repeatedly targeted by him… We were stepping out of class, his goons tried to kidnap my friend and hit us,” the student added.
The student also said that he and his friend had not attended college for the past ten months due to constant fear and trauma.
Following the allegations and subsequent revelations, the West Bengal Bar Council on Wednesday revoked Mishra’s licence, barring him from practising law.
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