The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has issued a strong condemnation of the alleged gang-rape of first year law student at South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata’s Kasba area on June 25, 2025, while distancing itself from the prime accused, Manojit Mishra, who was reportedly associated with the party’s student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP). The incident, which occurred between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm, has sparked a political firestorm, with the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the TMC of shielding the accused.
West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja, addressing a press conference on June 27, condemned the incident as “extremely painful” and emphasised the state government’s commitment to supporting the survivor and her family. “Kolkata Police has already initiated action, and all information related to the probe is available to the public,” Panja stated. She urged that the incident not be politicised, adding, “Instead of making the victim a battleground for politics, her pain must be understood, she must be respected, and justice must be ensured – swiftly and unconditionally.” Panja also highlighted the TMC’s push for the ‘Aparajita Bill,’ a proposed legislation for stringent punishment of sexual offenders, criticising the BJP-led central government for its “indifference” toward its implementation. “We should not look for name, religion or which party they are attached with but care for justice and justice alone. What is this TMCP narrative, you think TMC will ask the workers or members to go and rape women, thats bizarre. Law will take its own course and we will ensure that”, she added.
Trinankur Bhattacharya, president of the TMCP, admitted that Manojit Mishra, a 31-year-old former student, was linked to the party but clarified that he was not an active member. Bhattacharya stated, “Mishra held a position in 2019, but his name was excluded from the committee since it was reconstituted in 2022. He is not part of any committees now.” He emphasised that the TMC does not condone such acts, saying, “He is a rapist, he should face justice,” and dismissed BJP’s allegations as attempts to defame the party. Bhattacharya also noted that the TMCP has had no active unit at South Calcutta Law College for years.
The TMC’s official statement on X reiterated its condemnation, stating, “We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at South Calcutta Law College. @KolkataPolice have swiftly apprehended all three accused, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear, ensuring the most severe measures are imposed on those found guilty.” Mishra’s Facebook profile is flooded with his pictures along with senior TMC leaders including minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, MLA Debasish Kumar along with pictures confirming his association with the rolling party. His own Facebook bio reads “former TMCP president law college”.
The party underscored the need for the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to ensure speedy investigations and stringent punishments. The accused, Manojit Mishra, Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), were arrested within 24 hours of the complaint filed on June 26. Mishra, a contractual staffer at the college and a practicing lawyer at Alipore Court, allegedly orchestrated the assault after the survivor rejected his marriage proposal. The other two, current students, reportedly abetted the crime. The Kolkata Police have seized the accused’s mobile phones, conducted a medical examination of the survivor, and secured the crime scene for forensic analysis. The trio has been remanded to police custody until July 1, 2025. The incident has drawn parallels to the RG Kar Medical College rape-murder case from August 2024, intensifying political tensions.
