IIM-Calcutta rape accused’s defence strengthens, to cite victim’s non-cooperation in Court

In the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of a woman inside the IIM-Calcutta campus, the accused’s legal team is preparing to present the victim’s repeated absence from key legal procedures as part of its courtroom strategy. According to the defence, the woman did not appear before the magistrate for three scheduled hearings this week—on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday—where her statement under Section 164 of the CrPC was to be recorded.

The accused’s lawyer stated that the woman has also not yet appeared for a medical examination, which is a standard part of investigation in such cases. Additionally, the clothes she was reportedly wearing at the time of the incident have not been submitted to the investigating authorities for forensic analysis. The defence claims these factors could become significant in the case proceedings.

It has also been stated by the defence that there are multiple contradictions between the statements of the woman and her father. These discrepancies, according to them, will be highlighted in court. The lawyer did not disclose the full strategy but said that the inconsistencies would be part of their submission during the legal process.

The special investigation team formed by Kolkata Police is continuing with the probe based on available circumstantial evidence. These include CCTV footage from inside the IIM-Calcutta campus, call detail records and chat data from the phones of both the complainant and the accused, samples of food and cold drinks allegedly consumed by the woman during the incident, and the clothes worn by the accused at the time.