IIM Calcutta rape case sparks outrage amid rising campus crimes, institute asks ‘to avoid speculations’

Yet another deeply disturbing incident has raised concerns over the safety of women in educational institutions in Kolkata. A female student has alleged that she was raped by a student of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM Calcutta) inside a hostel on the campus. The accused has been arrested on the basis of an FIR lodged by the women at Haridevpur police station.

The incident came to light a fortnight after a student was allegedly gang-raped inside South Calcutta Law College . This follows the Kolkata doctor rape-case which sparked nation-wide outrage, raising questions on campus security and safety for women.

In this regard, the premier institute, IIM Calcutta, has issued a statement stating that it has zero tolerance for such incidents and remains steadfast in upholding a safe and respectful campus environment.

IIM Calcutta Director-in-charge Saibal Chattopadhyay urged all to “avoid speculation or dissemination of unverified information which might lead to further confusion and hamper investigation and allow the investigative authorities to carry out their responsibilities independently and fairly”. He also said that the college authorities are “fully cooperating with the law enforcement agencies”.

IIM Calcutta rape case

The woman stated in the FIR that she was called to the boys’ hostel of IIM Calcutta for a counselling session on Friday. She lost consciousness after consuming a drink spiked with drugs, and later woke up to realise that she had been raped.

She also alleged that the accused had threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the matter to anyone, the police officer said.

"The accused student was detained on Friday night before being formally arrested ," he said. Further investigation was underway.

Congress slams Centre for security lapses

Around 100 members of the Congress staged a protest before the gates of the IIM Calcutta campus, demanding an audience with the director.

Congress leader Asutosh Chatterjee said, "The security guards are stopping us from entering the campus. But where was this security for women if the allegation inside the boys' hostel of a premier institute is true? After the South Calcutta Law College gang rape of a woman student by her own college seniors and alumni on campus, now another allegation has surfaced involving a central educational institute. It puts our heads to shame."

He said IIM Calcutta being a premier educational institution, the BJP government at the Centre cannot escape its responsibility if the incident is confirmed. CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty said the allegations, if found true, are horrifying and show "increasing lawlessness" under the reign of TMC on one hand and the glaring "loopholes and lacunae" in the security at the campus of a premier central institution on the other.

(With inputs from PTI)