Kolkata Police Form SIT to Investigate Alleged Rape Case at IIM-C Campus

Quick Summary

• Kolkata Police formed a nine-member Special Inquiry Team (SIT) to investigate the alleged rape of a mental health counsellor by a student at IIM-Calcutta.
• The accused, Premanand Mahaveer Toppanavar, 26, was arrested on July 10, 2025, and charged under sections 64 (punishment for rape) and 123 (causing hurt by means of poison with intent to commit an offense) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.He is currently in police custody.
• The survivor alleged she met the accused at the institute’s Lake View hostel and consumed pizza and water before feeling dizzy. She claimed she lost consciousness and was subsequently raped after being prevented from leaving or accessing the washroom.
• CCTV footage from IIM-C has been requested by police to assist in their investigation; questions have also arisen regarding gaps in campus security protocols.
• West Bengal Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident; chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay stated that efforts were being made to ensure no external pressures prevent transparency in investigations or communication from the survivor’s family.
• In contrast to allegations made by his daughter, her father publicly denied any involvement between her and the accused individual.
• This incident follows another reported gang rape case at South Calcutta Law College three weeks prior, intensifying concerns about women’s safety within educational institutions in Kolkata.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The rape allegation at IIM-Calcutta highlights vulnerabilities within safety protocols across India’s educational institutions,even those considered elite or prestigious like Union goverment-run institutes.While law enforcement appears proactive-forming an SIT and requesting evidence such as CCTV footage-the circumstances surrounding this case underscore critical shortcomings: such as, how unauthorized access into secured premises is absolutely possible without proper registration procedures.

Moreover, discrepancies between victim testimonies versus statements from family members call attention not only to investigative challenges but also societal stigma surrounding sexual violence cases-a recurrent barrier for justice delivery in India.

Coupled with other recent incidents targeting women on campuses like South Calcutta Law College’s reported gang rape case last month-the urgency now lies not just with swift legal proceedings but also systemic reforms addressing both security infrastructure within institutions + fostering environments free psychological fear silencing survivors voices ensuring speed/ accountability steps further forefront judiciary critical response awaiting outcome evolving case remains closely monitored wide spectrum stakeholders stakeholders national significance strategic way forward education ministerial reforms impacts protection landscape interventions upcoming post rectified .Read more