Calcutta University probes law college after gang rape case exposes alleged seat sale and admission irregularities for past 8 years

Time of India

2 days ago

Allegations of seat sale and irregular admissions
College submits records for scrutiny
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Involvement of Monojit Mishra under review
Governing body decisions and formation process under scrutiny
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The University of Calcutta has launched a comprehensive investigation into alleged long-standing irregularities at a south Kolkata law college , where a first-year student was recently raped. A fact-finding team set up by the university is examining how Zaib Ahmed , one of the accused in the case, gained admission despite holding a low merit rank of 2,634. The team will also look into an array of administrative and procedural anomalies reported at the college over the past eight years.Another serious allegation involves the suspected sale of college seats in exchange for money. A copy of the CULET 2024 merit list, which surfaced online, revealed that Zaib Ahmed who attained a low rank 2,634 was admitted as a general candidate, while several higher-ranked law aspirants were denied admission.University officials said that students with higher merit typically secure places at the CU law department and four government-aided colleges affiliated with the university. Lower-ranked students are usually admitted to private institutions, where fees can run into lakhs per semester. One official noted, 'There might be other people involved who functioned behind the scenes with Mishra and his gang doing the groundwork.'The team is also looking into whether the college admitted more students than permitted. 'If a college wants to increase its seating capacity, they have to get permission from the Bar Council of India . How extra admissions were made can only be clarified if it is cross-checked with the college's admission record book,' the official added.The college has submitted around 500 pages of documents, including student record books and resolutions passed by the governing body. Interim vice-chancellor Santa Datta De said, 'The college has submitted all required documents which will be scrutinised by the fact-finding team, and a final report will be given to the university on which appropriate actions will be taken.'The university has stated that the fact-finding team will examine these records to determine how major administrative decisions were made and whether standard procedures were followed.The committee is also investigating the role of law college authorities in allowing Monojit Mishra, the prime accused in the rape case, to manage student affairs. A college-issued notice granting him unrestricted access is now under scrutiny and will be cross-checked against official records. According to reports previously published by the Times of India, Mishra was permitted to operate with authority despite lacking formal designation.One of the key complaints being looked into is Mishra's appointment as a casual staffer. The college has submitted a governing body resolution on this matter, which the university is now evaluating. A senior CU official remarked, 'How many GB members approved this decision to appoint him as a casual staffer? If any member opposed this decision, the person should have given a note of dissent with an entry in the record book.'The functioning of the college's governing body, including the role of university-nominated members, is also under review. The university will examine how the governing body was formed, its composition, and whether members fulfilled their oversight responsibilities. Records of past decisions and any noted objections will be assessed as part of the process.The university's final report will determine what disciplinary or legal action may follow.(With inputs from TOI)