KOLKATA — Shocking details emerged on Tuesday in the ongoing investigation into the gang-rape of a 24-year-old law student on a south Kolkata college campus, as police told a court that the accused used an inhaler to revive the victim when she appeared to lose consciousness — not out of concern, but to prolong the assault.
The main accused, Monojit Mishra — a former office-bearer of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad and a temporary non-teaching staff member — along with law students Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, are currently in police custody. According to public prosecutor Sourin Ghosal, the use of the inhaler demonstrated the trio’s “intent and desperation.”
“When the girl became breathless — she mentions in her complaint that she had a panic attack — they gave her an inhaler not to help her recover, but to ensure she stayed conscious so they could continue the sexual assault,” Ghosal told the Alipore court.
The court extended the police custody of Mishra, Ahmed, and Mukherjee until July 8. A fourth accused, security guard Pinaki Banerjee — arrested for allegedly aiding the crime by allowing it to occur inside the guardroom on June 25 — was remanded to custody until July 4.
Police Oppose Bail, Cite Risk of Intimidation
Arguing for extended custody, the prosecution highlighted the potential threat posed by Mishra, citing his influence and risk of interfering with the investigation. Ghosal said the accused could “terrorise” the survivor or tamper with evidence if released on bail.
Evidence Mounts Against the Accused
Investigators presented multiple pieces of corroborating evidence in court, including:
- Medical reports consistent with the survivor’s account.
- CCTV footage from a local pharmacy showing the purchase of the inhaler.
- Mobile location data placing the accused at the scene.
- Eyewitness statements, with six of 17 students present on campus that evening questioned so far.
Police are also investigating Mishra’s call to the college’s vice-principal the day after the assault, seeking to determine whether it was an attempt to manage the fallout or manipulate the narrative. Additionally, they plan to question the college union’s general secretary, who had been with the survivor for hours before the attack.
Allegations of Premeditation
According to the FIR, the general secretary was with the survivor from 4 pm to 7:30 pm on June 25, after being summoned by Zaib Ahmed, who claimed Mishra wanted to discuss a union-related issue. The general secretary reportedly left after promising to return — but never did.
Zaib and Pramit have told investigators that Mishra orchestrated the assault after being repeatedly rejected by the survivor, whom he allegedly wanted to marry.
Institutional Response
The college’s governing body has expelled Mishra and barred the two student-accused from entering any educational institution in West Bengal. The college administration also plans to petition the Bar Council to revoke Mishra’s licence to practice law.
The college’s vice-principal condemned the incident in strong terms, stating, “The perpetrators of this horrific crime deserve to be hanged.”
The case continues to spark outrage across the city, with students and activists demanding justice for the survivor and institutional accountability for lapses in campus safety.
