Following mounting harassment allegations, South Calcutta Law College dismissed Monojit Mishra from staff roll and expelled two students who are co‑accused after July 1 general body meeting.

South Calcutta Law College has taken decisive action against the three individuals implicated in the shocking gang‑rape of a first‑year student. A general body meeting chaired by Trinamool Congress MLA Ashok Kumar Deb on July 1 concluded with the permanent dismissal of all three accused from the college’s rolls.

Monojit Mishra, a 31‑year‑old Trinamool Congress student leader infamously known as “Mango dada,” was removed from the college’s staff roster. Two others—students Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee—were expelled immediately, according to college authorities.

Long-standing intimidation

Mishra, described by peers as wielding a “reign of terror” over campus, allegedly commanded a loyal group known as “Team MM.” Reports claim that members of this faction, along with Mishra, enjoyed undue privileges—such as guaranteed attendance and perceived immunity from disciplinary action. Despite repeated complaints of harassment, molestation, threats, and even stabbing incidents dating back to 2013, college and political leadership took little or no earlier action.

Campus threats and fear culture

“Whenever Monojit da calls you, do not go,” recalled at least one student. Haripada Banik, a member of the college’s governing body, recounted receiving numerous complaints: “We were constantly in fear of him. There was threat culture in every corner of this college.”

Vice-Principal Nayna Chatterji announced new security measures, stating that individuals without permanent ID cards will be barred from entering campus. “Not just expulsion, we are all demanding that they be hanged,” she added, echoing the frustration and demands of outraged students and faculty.

Political ties under scrutiny

Mishra claims to have served as student‑wing president since 2017, although Trinamool Congress leadership has dismissed any formal association since 2022. While his father has publicly called for harsh punishment if charges prove accurate, Mishra remains in custody following his arrest on June 28. Authorities reported that medical evidence—such as bite marks and scratch injuries—supports allegations of forced penetration.

A decade of unchecked offenses

Further scrutiny revealed Mishra’s violent past: in 2013, he allegedly stabbed a catering worker and attacked a fellow student, prompting his disappearance until 2016. More recently, in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024, he faced accusations ranging from molestation and threats to physical assault. Despite this string of incidents, a 2022 anonymous warning to college authorities was ignored, highlighting persistent delays in addressing safety concerns.

Ongoing investigation

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway, while local BJP leaders have accused law enforcement of turning a blind eye due to political influence. In response to today’s actions, students and staff alike have voiced cautious relief, though many argue that justice delayed has only compounded the trauma.