In a major development in the alleged gang-rape case at South Calcutta Law College, Kolkata Police on Saturday arrested the college’s security guard, Pinaki Banerjee (55), bringing the total number of arrests in the case to four.
The incident, which reportedly took place inside the college premises in Kasba on Wednesday, has triggered widespread public anger and a fierce political row in West Bengal.
Police earlier arrested three individuals—Monojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20)—all of whom were either former students or staff members of the college. According to authorities, the accused are named in the FIR and are being produced before the ACJM of Alipore, South 24 Parganas, with a request for police custody for further investigation.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) took suo motu cognisance of the matter on Friday. Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar wrote to the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, urging a swift and time-bound investigation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). She also called for full medical, psychological, and legal support for the survivor and demanded compensation under Section 396 of the BNSS.
Meanwhile, the case has sparked intense criticism of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of failing to ensure women’s safety in the state.
“This incident reveals the character of TMC and their mindset towards women. Mamata Banerjee must resign immediately. Under her rule, no one is safe,” Ghosh told ANI. He claimed the attack appeared to be premeditated and criticised the CM for what he called a pattern of dismissive responses to crimes against women.
Ghosh further alleged that the deteriorating safety and cultural environment in Bengal is a direct result of the Chief Minister’s “irresponsible” leadership. “Criminals feel emboldened under her regime because of the way she addresses these incidents,” he added.
The case has gripped the state, with calls growing louder for accountability, swift justice, and stronger safeguards for women in educational institutions.