Kolkata, 1 July (H.S.): Investigators probing the gangrape of a 24-year-old student at Kasba Law College have uncovered crucial circumstantial evidence that aligns with the survivor’s testimony, strengthening the case against the three accused arrested in connection with the June 25 incident.

A senior officer involved in the investigation confirmed that the first significant piece of evidence is CCTV footage from the college premises. The video reportedly shows the survivor being dragged from the common room to the guard room, where the assault is believed to have taken place.

The second critical clue involves the arrangement of two benches inside the guard room. Investigators found them placed together and covered with a cloth, resembling a makeshift bed — further corroborating the survivor's account of the crime scene.

The third piece of key evidence includes the clothes worn by the three accused at the time of the incident. These are now being treated as important forensic material in the investigation.

In addition to the physical evidence, statements from two of the accused — Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukhopadhyay — have provided investigators with vital leads. Both have reportedly confessed that the assault was premeditated, and that Manojeet Mishra, a contractual staff member of the college, had targeted the survivor. The accused also allegedly planned to record the act on video and use it for blackmail.

The investigation team is now attempting to determine whether the video was shared with anyone else. Sources say several objectionable video clips were recovered from the accused’s mobile phones, particularly from Mishra’s device, suggesting a possible pattern of abusive behavior and a history of storing explicit content.

The college administration has initiated internal disciplinary proceedings. Manojeet Mishra, a former student and temporary staff member, was terminated with immediate effect. The other two accused, both current students, have been expelled.

Despite the severity of the case, neither Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee nor Governor C. V. Ananda Bose has issued any public statement so far, even four days after the incident came to light. The silence from the state’s top leadership has drawn criticism from student groups and rights activists.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh