Student Allegedly Raped Inside IIM-Calcutta Boys' Hostel: Kolkata No Longer 'The City of Joy' For Women?

IIM-C Rape Case Barely a Fortnight After Law College Incident

In the latest report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Kolkata was declared one of the safest cities in India to live in. Clocking 78.2%, the lowest IPC crime rate, the West Bengal capital was lauded in the 2022 study for the police force’s efforts to ensure safety for women and children.

Cut to 2024.

The metropolis recorded one of the country’s most brutal rape cases in recent times.

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On August 9, 2024, a 31-year-old female postgraduate trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital was raped and killed. Her body was found inside the campus, in a seminar room. Eventually, Sanjoy Roy (33), a male civic volunteer, was arrested. The incident sparked widespread protests across the state and country, with junior doctors capturing the streets of Bengal till a thorough probe is conducted and adequate security at hospitals is ensured.

As time took its course and the city was returning to normalcy, another gangrape case hit the headlines. In the last week of June 2025, a 24-year-old was brutalised in a South Calcutta Law College. The medical examination revealed that even though there were no cuts on her body, there was an abrasion mark around her neck and some marks on her breasts. The type of injury marks indicates sexual assault, reports said. Three men, including a former member of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), and the security guard, were arrested for the crime.

Just a fortnight later, the IIM-C case occurred. According to her statement, the woman was reportedly called to the hostel for a counselling session. She consumed a drink that, as per her belief, was spiked. As a result, she lost her senses. After she regained consciousness, she ascertained that a sexual assault had taken place on her. The reports said a student, accused of the reported crime, has been arrested while a probe is on.

Where Is The Kolkata I Knew?

Being from Kolkata, these back-to-back savage incidents leave me in disbelief every single time. The metropolitan city always was like a warm, safe embrace where I felt comfortably protected. In my almost 40 years of existence, I hardly recall any time when I faced eve-teasing, cat calls, or unnecessary gaze and remarks/comments anywhere in the city.

Until recently.

The steady decline of law and order in the past few years, widespread crimes, fanned by the ruling party’s hooliganism, and the slowly perishing image of security for women and children are quite palpable in Bengal nowadays. This is undoubtedly an unexpectedly disappointing fall for the city of bhadroloks (gentleman), for the city that celebrates Maa Durga in her full glory, and the city that’s known to produce one of the strongest and most empowered women across the country.

This is not the Kolkata I was born in. This is not the Kolkata I grew up in. And, this is definitely not the Kolkata I want to associate myself with.

I want my Kolkata to return. That city which is known for its affability, safety, culture, intellect, intelligence, emotional quotient, and tender love. Will she be back, please?

Whether she's at home or at work, a woman in India does not feel safe. When will this end? A woman's safety is no joke, it is her right. It is time to Fight Back against violenceand change the mindset of a society that allows this oppression. Read stories by women who faced harassment or abuse and chose to raise their voices, know what you need to do to fight back, and more on HerZindagi. Become a part of the solution. Take the pledge to #FightBack.Don't Miss:RG Kar Case Verdict: Sanjay Roy Convicted For Rape And Murder Of Kolkata Doctor

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