Kolkata Law College Rape Accused Illegally Appointed Despite Criminal Record: Opposition Demands Resignations

Kolkata : In a shocking revelation, Monojit Mishra, the prime accused in the Kolkata Law College rape case, was reportedly illegally appointed as temporary staff at the same institution, despite a known history of criminal behaviour, including past allegations of hooliganism, serious physical assault, and sexual harassment within the college premises.

Sources within the college administration confirmed that Mishra, also a former student of the college, was appointed a few months ago without following due procedure. The governing body of the college, consisting of eight members, voted on his appointment, but only four members approved the proposal — falling short of the mandatory two-thirds majority required for temporary staff appointments.

College insiders allege that the appointment was pushed through under pressure from an influential member of the governing body, reportedly referred to by Mishra as “uncle.” Despite strong objections from four members citing his criminal antecedents, the appointment went ahead — a move now drawing severe criticism from political and civil circles.

Following public outrage over the rape allegations, the college has terminated Mishra’s contractual role and demanded he return all wages paid during his tenure. Additionally, two other accused students, Jaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, have been expelled from the institution.

The incident has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders, particularly the BJP, who are now demanding accountability from the college’s governing body.“This isn't just about an illegal appointment. This is about how a man with a record of abuse was embedded within the system, shielded by power and privilege,” said Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT Cell, in a statement.

Malviya further questioned Trinamool Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Deb, who serves as the president of the college governing body, and the vice-principal, who functions as the secretary, over their alleged role in clearing Mishra’s appointment.“Now, after public outrage, they want to wash their hands off? This is not accountability, this is complicity,” Malviya added, calling for the resignation and legal action against those who enabled Mishra’s appointment.

This episode has opened a floodgate of complaints from current and former female students, many of whom allege that the college has a history of ignoring sexual harassment, abuse, and even attempted murder, creating a hostile and unsafe environment for women.

As investigations continue, student organizations, activists, and political leaders are demanding a full independent inquiry into the governance and functioning of the college.

With the controversy growing, the pressure is mounting on the administration to ensure justice, not just in the current case, but to reform the institutional culture that enabled such a situation to unfold unchecked.