Latest news with #Kolkata-based
Hans India
4 hours ago
- Hans India
Kolkata Shocker: Law student raped inside college
Kolkata: A student was allegedly raped inside the premises of a Kolkata-based law college on the night of Wednesday, leading to the arrest of three men, two students and a staff member who is also an alumnus of the institution. Police identified the accused as Manojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay alias Pramit Mukherjee (20). According to FIR, one of them committed penetrative sexual assault while the others abetted the crime. All three were named in the FIR based on the survivor's complaint. The incident reportedly occurred between 7:30pm and 10:50pm on Wednesday at a location inside the college premises. Following the complaint, the victim underwent a preliminary medical examination at Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC). Several witnesses were questioned, and their statements recorded. The spot was secured and preserved for forensic examination. Manojit and Zaib were arrested on Thursday around 7:20pm and 7:35pm, respectively, near Siddhartha Shankar Sishu Roy Udyan at Talbagan Crossing, and their mobile phones were seized. The third accused, Pramit, was taken into custody from his residence in the early hours of Friday. His phone was also confiscated. All three were produced before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM) court in Alipore, South 24 Parganas, on Thursday. The court sent them to four days of police custody for further investigation. NCW takes cognisance The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken cognisance of the incident and asked the West Bengal Police to conduct a thorough and time-bound investigation, ensuring justice for the survivor. Later in the day, the ruling TMC issued a statement condemning the incident. "We unequivocally condemn the tragic rape incident at South Calcutta Law College. Kolkata police have swiftly apprehended all 3 accused, and the full weight of the law will be brought to bear, ensuring the most severe measures are imposed on those found guilty," the party said in a post on X. "This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Beset with violence & politics, other campuses try to turn over a new leaf
Kolkata: Law colleges in the city have a history of campus violence and skirmishes. While some, including the college where the gang rape took place on Friday, continue to grapple with such issues, others have made efforts in recent years to improve their reputation by enforcing discipline, adhering to academic schedules, and strengthening safety and security measures. The college that came under the spotlight on Friday has witnessed vandalism and violence between rival students' groups. A few months ago, another south Kolkata-based institution, Jogesh Chandra Choudhury Law College, hit the headlines when students of the college had to organise the Saraswati Puja under police protection after Calcutta High Court intervened when students went to the court alleging intimidation by outsiders. During the 1980s and 1990s, violence frequently occurred on law campuses in the city, including incidents of bombs being lobbed during union elections. Several former students from this period said entry into law campuses was unhindered. Some indicated that a reference from a former prominent Congress leader sufficed to secure admission to a law college near Sealdah. "Some of our batchmates at that time got their college admission forms while sitting at the leader's house, and political affiliation was the only criterion to get admission where merit didn't play any role. " You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Jatindra Kumar Das, head of the department of law and dean, faculty of law, Calcutta University, stated that systematic classes and exams motivated students to study regularly, while the institution took necessary actions to enhance campus safety and security. "We have tried to reduce political interference by involving students in academics and other activities. Previously, classes were not held regularly, and students engaged in politics, leading to brawls and fights. However, the situation has changed completely. We have restricted outsiders on campus, and students are encouraged to participate in academics and activities that aid their careers. These have helped us reform the college's image. Security was enhanced," he added. Surendranath Law College was notorious for campus violence in the past. But it has improved its image considerably in recent years by implementing measures to address untoward incidents, particularly gender-based violence. Shibasish Banerjee, visiting faculty and advocate at Calcutta HC, said: "We have a strong mechanism in place to prevent untoward incidents. The campus is almost entirely covered with CCTV cameras. Students must vacate the common room by 2 pm. If there is a programme and students need to stay until late evening, access is limited to areas covered by CCTV cameras. We try to prevent students from staying beyond 8 pm. There is a grievance cell, and two female teachers are assigned duties to check on female students for any issues in college."
Time of India
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kolkata horror: TMC, BJP trade barbs over rape case in law college; cops nab 5 accused
Representative image NEW DELHI: A political blame game has erupted amid the uproar over the rape case that has been reported in a Kolkata-based law college, with both ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) and rival Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pointing fingers at one another. While TMC pointedly blamed the BJP for "delaying" the passage of the 'Aparajita' anti-rape bill, brought in the wake of the tragic RG Kar rape case, the BJP hit out at the Mamata Banerjee government for "failing to take action in cases involving crimes against women due to political considerations". Condemning the tragic rape incident at South Calcutta Law College, TMC wrote on X: "This tragedy once again underscores the urgent need for the implementation of the Aparajita Anti-Rape Bill to establish a strong deterrent against sexual offences, emphasising the necessity for speedy investigations, swift trials, and stringent punishments. It is extremely unfortunate that the BJP govt at the Centre has not lifted a finger to get it implemented. " Last year, West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose referred the "Aparajita Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws Amendment) Bill, 2024" to President Droupadi Murmu, citing "multiple loopholes" in the legislation. The bill, passed by the state assembly following the brutal rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital on May 9, 2024, proposes capital punishment for rape convicts if the assault results in the victim's death or leaves her in a vegetative state. The BJP, which is the key opposition in West Bengal, levelled the TMC government "anti-women" and demanded "a fair and unbiased investigation, free from political interference." "TMC government is anti-women, which is why it tries to protect the accused. The Mamata Banerjee government consistently fails to take action in cases involving crimes against women due to political considerations. Data suggests that crimes against women are on the rise in Bengal. We demand a fair and unbiased investigation, free from political interference," BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari told news agency PTI. West Bengal BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh claimed the mentality of society has deteriorated due to the language spoken by CM Mamata Banerjee. "Horrific. I should say that the situation in West Bengal is horrific. The atrocities against women are increasing day by day. The way the girl student was raped within the premises by, as I know the present and the ex-student, shows the deteriorating mentality of our society. I should say that this kind of mentality is due to the language spoken by our is becoming a kind of shelter for these criminals. These arrests are nothing," Ghosh told news agency ANI. In the incident, which is the eerily reminiscent of the gut-wrenching RG Kar case, a student was allegedly raped on the night of June 25 within the premises of a Kolkata law college, leading to the arrest of three men, two students and a staff member who is also an alumnus of the institution. Police identified the accused as Manojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay alias Pramit Mukherjee (20).
India Today
a day ago
- Business
- India Today
Kolkata doctor duped of Rs 36 lakh, report says he clicked on a Facebook advertisement
Investment-based scams are on the rise in India. A Kolkata-based doctor has reportedly become the latest victim of such a cyber scam, losing Rs 36 lakh. The victim was lured into a fake investment opportunity after clicking on an advertisement on Facebook. He was duped over a period of two months after being enticed by an investment scheme advertised on the to a report by The Telegraph, the doctor, who is a resident of Barasat, came across an advertisement on Facebook promoting what appeared to be a legitimate financial investment platform. Thinking he might receive some financial advice and earn extra money, he clicked on the ad. The ad redirected him to a WhatsApp group that posed as a forum for stock market guidance and financial tips. The doctor was later added to the group by its admins. In the group, he encountered persuasive messages from other members, which convinced him that the platform was genuine. The scammers also directly persuaded him, and he began investing his money in phases—making ten separate transactions that ultimately totalled Rs 36 lakh. It was only when the doctor attempted to withdraw his supposed returns and found himself locked out of the investment account. Realising he has been scammed, the doctor then approached the authorities and filed a this, the state CID reportedly launched an investigation. During the enquiry, officials arrested Prosenjit Ranjan Nath, a 34-year-old film producer and entrepreneur, from his apartment near Madurdaha, Anandapur. According to police, Nath is the key beneficiary of the syphoned funds. The investigation revealed that Rs 18 lakh of the stolen amount had been funnelled into a company operated by Nath, named The Local Brand Shop. While Nath is currently in custody, police are continuing to investigate the full extent of the scam and identify other individuals who may have been involved. Meanwhile, authorities have urged internet users to remain vigilant and not fall for misleading ads on social media. Paid advertisements on platforms like Facebook can be promoted by anyone willing to pay, making them a common tool for scammers to target unsuspecting to stay safe from online investment scams– Do not click on any advertisement unless you are certain about its authenticity. In particular, be wary of social media ads that promise high returns or quick profits.– Always cross-check the credentials of any investment platform via official government or regulatory websites such as SEBI.– Avoid joining investment-related groups on WhatsApp or Telegram unless they are officially recognised by trusted Never share sensitive banking or personal information through informal channels.– If you are interested in investment tips, consult certified financial professionals.- Ends
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Asia gold: India demand muted despite price correction; buying picks up in China, Singapore
Demand for physical gold in India remained subdued this week despite a correction in prices, as buyers held out for a bigger drop, while demand improved in China and Singapore. This week, Indian dealers were offering a discount of up to $18 an ounce over official domestic prices, inclusive of 6% import and 3% sales levies, down from last week's discount of up to $27. 'Retail buyers are still on the sidelines despite the correction in prices. This is traditionally a lean demand season and buyers are waiting for a bigger drop in prices,' said a Kolkata-based jeweller. Domestic gold prices were trading around 96,100 rupees per 10 grams on Friday after hitting an all-time high of 101,078 rupees earlier this month. Jewellers weren't buying much new gold from banks because retail buyers were trading in their old jewellery for new ones, which met a good part of the demand, said a Mumbai-based bullion dealer with a private bank. Spot gold was trading around $3,294.19 as of 0425 GMT, down from levels near $3,450 last week. Gold heads for second weekly loss, investors eye US inflation data Dealers in top gold consumer China charged premiums of $12-$14 an ounce over the global benchmark spot price, higher than last week's $10 premium. 'People are still interested in buying some gold as a safe haven,' Peter Fung, head of dealing at Wing Fung Precious Metals said, adding that a dip below $3,300 could attract more interest as investors seem ready to buy on any weakness. In Hong Kong, gold was sold at par to a $2.00 premium, while in Singapore, gold traded between at-par price and a $2.20 premium. 'We've seen a bit more retail buying… wholesalers are also short-covering because the prices came down quite a bit from last week,' said Brian Lan, managing director at GoldSilver Central. In Japan, bullion was sold flat to a $0.5 premium.
