The National Commission for Women (NCW) has written to the Chief Secretary of West Bengal, demanding immediate and decisive action in connection with the alleged gang-rape of a first-year law student inside South Kolkata Law College.
Terming the incident as “grave” and one that has “shaken public conscience,” NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said the panel has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter. In a statement she expressed serious concern over the safety, dignity and overall well-being of the survivor.
“This incident is not just an individual crime, it’s a blow to our collective sense of security,” Rahatkar said. “It demands a swift and institutional response from the state.”
In her letter, Rahatkar requested the state police to extend full cooperation for a visit by one of its members, Archana Mujumdar, who has been deputed to meet the survivor and her family..The NCW has also asked for a confidential and immediate internal medical examination of the survivor, with both internal and external medical reports to be submitted to the Commission within three days.
Additionally, the panel has urged the state to guarantee robust safety and security arrangements for the survivor and her family, especially in light of the traumatic nature of the crime and its setting inside an academic institution.
The case involves the alleged rape of a 24-year-old law student by a former student of the college on the evening of 25 June. The incident reportedly took place inside the guard room located on the premises of the educational institution.
All three accused, one of whom is now a practising lawyer with alleged ties to the ruling Trinamool Congress were arrested by the police on Thursday night.
