By Sulagna Halder
Kolkata, 5 July 2025:
In a shocking new development in the gang rape case at South Calcutta Law College, police have confirmed that just before the alleged assault on the evening of June 25, prime accused Monojit Mishra had given the campus security guard instructions to get the guards' room ready for use.
Mishra instructed guard Pinaki Banerjee to "keep the room ready" with "enough water and a clean bed sheet," according to police sources. During interrogation, Banerjee, who has acknowledged knowing that the space was frequently used for parties involving alcohol, stated that he was first apprehensive. But he claimed that Mishra intimidated him by saying, "Be aware of your boundaries. Without me, do you think you could make it here? After complying, the guard was allegedly told to "carry out duty elsewhere" by the other two accused, Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, after which they were asked to lock the college gate and turn over the keys.
According to the police, Banerjee went out for tea after leaving the area. When he got back, he noticed Zaib holding an inhaler. When questioned, Zaib allegedly told the guard not to get involved and dismissed the worry by stating that someone needed it. This inhaler is consistent with the survivor's complaint, in which she claimed that she was sexually assaulted right after receiving one during a panic attack.
On Friday, Banerjee was produced before the Alipore court and was remanded to police custody until 8 July. That same day, police conducted a crime scene reconstruction at the college. All four accused were present during the exercise, which was videographed and supported by 3D mapping technology. A large police force was stationed at the college to ensure security.
"Reconstructing the incident is a crucial part of the investigation," stated one of the investigating officers. We established a goal and achieved it. The survivor had previously been brought to the location for an independent reconstruction.
To confirm Monojit Mishra's employment status, investigators also obtained his pay stub, appointment letter, and attendance record from the college. Police are currently investigating whether a social media group purportedly associated with the accused actually exists. It's possible that the group was used to spread offensive images and videos of female students. It is anticipated that group members' phones will be confiscated and inspected.
The Kolkata Police's nine member Special Investigation Team and the women's grievance cell are working together to investigate the case.
