Kasba Gangrape: Court sends all 3 accused to 7-day police custody

The three primary accused in the horrific Kasba gang rape case – Manojit Mishra, Pramit Mukherjee, and Zaib Ahmed – have been remanded to seven-day police custody, extending their time with investigators until July 8. This decision was made by the judge after police sought additional time to probe the sensitive matter. Meanwhile, the security guard, Pinaki Banerjee, arrested in connection with the case, will remain in police custody for another three days, with his next court appearance scheduled for July 4.

The police custody of all four accused concluded on Tuesday, prompting their production in court. During the hearing, Raju Gangopadhyay, the lawyer representing Manojit and Pramit, chose not to file a bail application, indicating their cooperation with the ongoing investigation. Pramit Mukherjee's lawyer, Ankita Pal, informed the court that a statement of defense had been filed on her client's behalf.

On the other hand, security guard Pinaki Banerjee, addressing the court, stated, "I am a security guard. I have no direct connection. I get paid. I work. I have my say. Let there be a real investigation." His lawyer, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, emphasized that "as long as the culprit is not convicted, there should be no defamation," seeking to protect his client's reputation during the investigation.

The victim's lawyer, Arindam Jana, highlighted that no bail application was made by the accused's side, and he had no objection to that. He asserted that the accused Manojit exploited the victim's trust, and his two accomplices aided him. Regarding the security guard's role, the victim's lawyer questioned why the guard allowed Manojit to use his room and lock the main gate, suggesting potential complicity or negligence.

Government lawyer Saurin Ghoshal presented strong arguments, stating that medical evidence, circumstantial information, and CCTV footage corroborate the victim's statement. He also mentioned that an inhaler was brought for the victim because she was being subjected to further torture, seeking a ten-day police custody for the accused. After considering all arguments, the judge granted the police extended custody for the accused.