Kolkata Rape Case: NCW Claims Cops Barred Access to Survivor; Accused’s Father Expresses Faith in Police

A major controversy erupted in the Kolkata law college gang-rape case on Sunday after a visiting member of the National Commission for Women (NCW) alleged she was denied access to the survivor and faced “non-cooperation” from the police. In a dramatic counter-narrative, the father of the main accused simultaneously expressed full faith in the police investigation.

NCW member Archana Majumdar, who arrived in Kolkata to probe the incident, claimed she was stonewalled in her attempt to meet the law student and her family. She stated that after speaking to the “very tense” parents on Saturday night and arranging a visit, they became unreachable on Sunday morning.

“When I asked the police, they said they don’t know. When I asked SP Baruipur, he said their house was under lock and key,” Majumdar told reporters. She further alleged obstruction at the crime scene. “I visited, and they cooperated, but the place of occurrence was sealed; they did not allow me to record. They said if we record they will seize it. How is that possible? We are disappointed,” she said, adding that she would submit a report on the matter in Delhi.

In a starkly different turn of events, the father of Manojit Mishra, the prime accused, spoke to the media around the same time, lauding the authorities. “…I have faith in the Kolkata Police as well as the judiciary of India. Whatever they conclude after the full investigation will be accepted,” he was quoted as saying by the news agency IANS.

The conflicting statements have added a new layer of complexity to the case, which has already sparked significant political backlash against West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress government. The alleged gang rape of the law student took place inside the college campus on Wednesday, June 25.

Majumdar had earlier stated her intent was to assess the situation, understand the family’s needs, and evaluate the police response. “We will ask the family about the current situation, what actually happened, whether proper protection has been given, whether the police took timely and appropriate action, and if the family needs any further help,” she had told ANI.

So far, police have arrested three individuals in connection with the horrific crime and have constituted a five-member special investigation team (SIT) to probe the case. The incident has led to widespread outrage and protests in the city.