BJP gherao 'New TMC' MLA Sandipan Saha's house in Entally, protest over 'cut money'
A 20-year-old woman’s birthday celebration in Kolkata’s Haridevpur turned into a horrific ordeal when she was allegedly gang-raped by two acquaintances. The incident, which took place in a flat in the Regent Park area, has sent shockwaves through the city, raising fresh concerns about women’s safety. The victim, a resident of Haridevpur, reported the assault to the police on Saturday night, naming Chandan Mallick and Dwip (Deep) Biswas as the perpetrators. Both accused, who remain at large, are now the focus of an intense police manhunt.
The young woman had met Chandan Mallick several months ago, when he introduced himself as the head of a local Durga Puja committee in south Kolkata. Through him, she was introduced to Dwip Biswas, and the three began communicating frequently, often about her potential involvement in the committee. On the night of her birthday, the two men invited her to a flat in Regent Park to celebrate. What began as a shared meal turned sinister when she attempted to leave.
According to her complaint, the accused locked the door, assaulted her, and raped her multiple times, leaving her traumatized. She managed to escape the following morning and confided in her family, who supported her in filing a complaint at Haridevpur Police Station.The Kolkata Police have registered an FIR under relevant sections for gangrape and are conducting a thorough investigation. Officers have visited the crime scene near Malancha in Regent Park and are actively searching for the absconding suspects. The victim is undergoing medical examination to gather evidence, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of Mallick and Biswas.
The incident has once again reignited public outrage over women’s safety in Kolkata, coming on the heels of other high-profile assault cases in the city. Residents of Haridevpur, typically considered a quiet neighborhood, are shaken by the brutality of the crime. Local activists and community leaders have called for stronger measures to protect women, pointing to a pattern of violence that continues to haunt the city. The case has also drawn comparisons to past incidents, such as the RG Kar case, amplifying demands for systemic change to address gender-based violence.For the victim’s family, the focus is on seeking justice and supporting her recovery.
The young woman’s courage in coming forward has been praised, but the trauma she endured underscores the urgent need for safer public spaces. Meanwhile, the police are under pressure to apprehend the accused, who reportedly fled the scene after the assault. The case has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many calling for harsher penalties for such crimes.As the investigation unfolds, Kolkata is left grappling with uncomfortable questions about safety and accountability. The Haridevpur incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges women face, even in familiar settings among known individuals. With the accused still at large, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward, while the city hopes for swift justice and measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. The victim’s resilience in reporting the crime offers a glimmer of hope amid the outrage, as the community rallies to support her and demand change.