A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged gangrape of a first-year LLB student in Kolkata. The petition, submitted by Supreme Court advocate Satyam Singh, was filed on Monday, June 30, and also requests compensation and protection for the survivor.
The plea urges the apex court to direct that the investigation be completed within a stipulated timeframe and highlights concerns over political interference in the matter. It specifically mentions derogatory remarks allegedly made by Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra about the victim.
The incident, which took place on June 25 at South Kolkata Law College, involves allegations that two senior students and a former student of the institution gangraped the victim on campus. Following public outrage, the case has drawn sharp criticism from opposition political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, who have questioned the law and order situation in West Bengal.
Protests and rallies have erupted across Kolkata and surrounding areas. On Sunday, the Congress held a demonstration in the Kidderpore area, while the BJP’s youth wing organized a rally in Hatibagan, demanding stronger safety measures for women. BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, also led a foot march demanding justice for the victim and calling for enhanced security for every daughter in the state.
Adhikari stated, “Until Mamata Banerjee is removed from power, such crimes against women will continue in Bengal. In the past, the Chief Minister has cast aspersions on the character of victims instead of acting against the culprits.”
Leaders of the Congress, CPI(M), and civil society groups have also joined in holding protest marches throughout the city and its outskirts.
The Supreme Court is yet to list the matter for hearing.
