IIM Calcutta Rape Case: Accused Sent to 7‑Day Police Custody Amid Campus Security Concerns
IIM Calcutta Rape Case: Accused in Police Custody Amid Campus Security Debate
Kolkata, July 12, 2025 – A Kolkata court has remanded Mahaveer Toppannavar alias Parmanand Jain, the primary accused in the high-profile IIM Calcutta rape case, to seven days of police custody after a magistrate hearing at Alipore Court. The remand extends until July 19, as authorities pursue further investigation into the allegations.
Allegations and Police Investigation
The complaint was lodged at Haridevpur police station by a clinical psychologist, who states she was summoned to the boys’ hostel under the pretext of a counseling session. As per the FIR, she was served a drink believed to be drugged, rendering her unconscious. Upon regaining awareness, she realised she had been sexually assaulted. She further alleged that the accused threatened her with dire consequences if she spoke up.
Key FIR points:
- Counselling session invitation by the accused
- Loss of consciousness after consuming a drink
- Realization of sexual assault post-awakening
- Alleged threats to keep silent
During the hearing, the prosecution appealed for an extended custody until July 25, citing the need to review CCTV footage, hostel access logs, and digital evidence. The court granted an initial remand until July 19.
Campus Security Draws Political Fire
The incident triggered criticism from opposition parties, including Congress and CPI(M), citing it as a stark indicator of eroding law and order and a security breakdown in a central institute. They expressed concern over the safety of women on supposedly secure academic campuses.
Adding complexity, the victim’s father publicly questioned the allegation, stating his daughter told him she had simply fallen from an auto-rickshaw and that no assault occurred. He emphasized that she appears normal and recovering.
Pattern of Campus Crimes in Kolkata
This case comes amid a disconcerting trend of campus sexual violence in Kolkata:
- A South Calcutta Law College student was reportedly gangraped on June 25, and four suspects, including Manojit Mishra, have been detained by a five-member SIT.
- Similar cases at RG Kar Medical College nearly triggered nationwide protests last year.
These incidents have spurred urgent calls for enhanced campus surveillance, strict entry controls, and rapid crisis response mechanisms.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
With the accused in police custody until July 19, the investigation continues to gather:
- Hostel CCTV footage
- Access logs
- Digital messages and device data
The prosecution seeks additional custody to deepen the probe. The court’s decision on further remand will depend on the volume of evidence collected during this week.
The accused’s legal team has highlighted that IIM Calcutta operates as a secure campus, requiring identification checks and pre-registration for all visitors—a detail that may shape the defense strategy.