Kolkata, India: The recent arrest of Manojit Mishra in the South Calcutta Law College rape case has rocked the city and exposed the dark underbelly of campus politics, unchecked power, and administrative silence. Once feared across the college as “Dada” or “Mango,” Mishra now stands accused of leading a brutal assault that has shaken public trust in educational institutions.

Mishra, a former student and contractual staffer at the law college, was arrested alongside three others—two current students and the campus security guard—for the alleged gang rape of a female student on the college premises. The incident occurred on the evening of June 25, between 7:30 PM and 10:50 PM, when the college gates were locked.

According to the victim’s statement, Manojit led the assault while the two other students stood guard. Disturbingly, the security guard present at the scene failed to intervene. The victim alleges she was raped multiple times, and the fear of retaliation left her isolated and helpless.

A forensic team visited the crime scene on Friday and collected crucial evidence, including strands of torn hair. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma also inspected the premises the same night. Investigators are likely to interrogate the accused face-to-face in the coming days to piece together the full timeline of the crime and identify any additional parties involved.

The cult of ‘MM’ and his reign of fear

Within the college, Mishra’s power was legendary and fear-inducing. Most students and even faculty avoided taking his name, referring to him only as “MM.” His influence extended from admissions to internal affairs, often pressuring both teachers and staff. Slogans like “Team MM” and “Manojit Dada, you are in our hearts” still adorn the walls—a chilling testament to his unchecked control.

Mishra’s criminal record dates back to 2012 when he was first admitted to the college. By 2013, his name had emerged in connection with a stabbing incident. Though expelled in 2014, he was inexplicably readmitted in 2017. Over the years, complaints against him piled up—ranging from vandalising CCTV cameras to threatening teachers—yet little action was taken.

Despite this, Mishra climbed the ranks to become the South Kolkata unit president of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), using his connections and photographs with senior Trinamool Congress leaders to strengthen his grip over the student body and silence dissent.

Political reactions: Condemnation and criticism

TMCP state president Trinankur Bhattacharya admitted that Manojit was given a post in 2019 but claimed the organisation could not have foreseen such behavior. Senior TMC leaders including Shashi Panja and Kunal Ghosh strongly condemned the incident. Panja said, “No monkey business will be tolerated,” while Ghosh demanded the strictest punishment.

However, opposition leaders have lashed out at the ruling party’s role. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar questioned, “Why was Manojit allowed to continue within the system despite multiple past offences?” The opposition has demanded accountability for what they describe as long-standing political protection of a known offender.