IIM-Calcutta rape allegation: SIT formed, forensic evidence collected as family disputes charges

The alleged incident reportedly occurred on Friday within the boys’ hostel of the prestigious institute.

A nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to probe the alleged rape of a woman inside the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta campus, officials said on Saturday.

The team is being led by an Assistant Commissioner from the South West Division.

The alleged incident reportedly occurred on Friday within the boys’ hostel of the prestigious institute.

The accused, a student of IIM-Calcutta, was arrested on Saturday following an FIR lodged by the woman. He has been remanded to police custody till July 19.

According to officials, the investigation will focus on securing both digital and forensic evidence. Forensic teams have already examined the site and collected various samples, including food remnants, for laboratory analysis.

Meanwhile, CCTV footage from across the campus has also been requested from the IIM authorities as part of the probe.

The woman’s father has, however, contradicted the police narrative.

Speaking to reporters late Saturday evening, he said, “I received a call from my daughter around 9.40 pm on Friday. She told me she had fallen from a vehicle, lost consciousness and suffered injuries. Later, I found out she had been admitted to SSKM Hospital. Based on what my daughter told me, nothing like what the police are claiming actually happened.”

He further alleged that the complaint was written under police pressure.

The West Bengal State Women’s Commission has, in the meantime, also taken suo motu cognisance of the incident.

Commission Chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay said they are in touch with the police and intend to visit the woman and her family. “We want the truth to come out. If any social stigma or family pressure is preventing her family from speaking freely, that must be addressed. We are closely monitoring the developments,” she said.