"Never associated," Firhad Hakim denies TMC link to main accused in alleged Kolkata college gang-rape

A shocking incident of alleged gang-rape at South Kolkata Law College has ignited a political firestorm, with one of the arrested accused, Manojit Mishra, being identified as a former leader of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP). However, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim has vehemently denied any association between Mishra and the ruling Trinamool Congress. "Those who have allegations against them were never associated with Trinamool. There is no connection in any way," Hakim stated, adding, "Those who do Trinamool in ideology can never do any wrong." This denial comes amidst mounting protests outside Kasba Police Station by various political and student organizations, including the BJP, Congress, SFI, DYFI, and AIDWA, all demanding justice for the victim.

Manojit Mishra (31), a former student of the college who also held a temporary staff position for the past 6-7 months on the recommendation of the governing body, is described on his social media profile as the "Former president of the TMCP unit of the law college." Despite Hakim's denial, numerous pictures circulating on social media show Mishra with prominent Trinamool leaders, including ministers, MLAs, and councilors, as well as the state president of TMCP and the president of South Kolkata Youth Trinamool. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari of the BJP further fueled the controversy by posting an old picture of Mishra with Abhishek Banerjee, sarcastically writing, "The empire of crime was not established just like that. It flourished and grew in the presence of various miscreants."

The alleged gang-rape occurred on June 25, between 7:30 PM and 10:50 PM, inside the college campus, reportedly in a guard's room. The victim's complaint led to the swift arrest of Mishra and two current students of the college, Zaib Ahmed (19) and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20). All three were produced in Alipore court on Friday and remanded to four days of police custody. The incident has reopened painful memories of the RG Kar medical case in August 2024, prompting critical questions about the safety of students on educational campuses and raising concerns about college security.

As forensic teams collect samples from the cordoned-off crime scene and police investigate, the contrasting statements between Firhad Hakim and the visual evidence, coupled with the widespread protests, highlight the volatile political landscape surrounding this heinous crime. The public and political parties alike are demanding accountability and a transparent investigation to ensure justice for the victim and restore confidence in campus safety.