Why Were the Accused Not Named in the Kolkata Law College Rape Case?

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Why Were the Accused Not Named in the Kolkata Law College Rape Case?

Synopsis

The Kolkata law college rape case raises troubling questions about why the FIR only used initials for the accused. With political affiliations involved and calls for transparency, this case highlights the need for accountability in legal procedures. The implications of this decision could have far-reaching consequences for justice.

Key Takeaways

  • Initials used in FIR raise concerns about transparency.
  • Accused linked to political party complicates the case.
  • Legal experts emphasize the need for full disclosure.
  • Public outcry highlights demand for justice and accountability.
  • NCW involvement signifies the case's importance.

Kolkata, June 29 (NationPress) Concerns have emerged regarding the decision to use only "initials" for the three individuals accused of raping a law college student in Kolkata, rather than their full names in the FIR.

The accused have been identified as Monojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, all associated with the Trinamool Congress' student wing, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP).

Despite this, the FIR refers to the accused simply as "M", "J", and "P".

Opposition leaders argue that the use of initials was a deliberate act by law enforcement to obscure the political affiliations of the accused, while legal experts express that there was no justification for this choice.

Senior counsel Firdous Samim from the Calcutta High Court elaborated on the legal obligations in such circumstances.

"If the victim identified the accused in her statement, there was no justification for the police to only use initials instead of their full names. The victim clearly knew the individuals involved," Samim stated.

"Additionally, the police should have been able to identify the accused during the preliminary investigation prior to filing the FIR. Ethically, it was inappropriate for them to mention only the initials," he added.

CPI(M) leader Shatarup Ghosh remarked that the police's use of initials was intentional.

"The police ought to have included the full names of the accused alongside other pertinent details in the FIR," Ghosh emphasized.

BJP leader and Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Sajal Ghosh noted that the choice to use initials clearly indicated an attempt to conceal the accused's political connections.

On a related note, a delegation from the National Commission for Women (NCW), led by member Archana Majumdar, visited the law college on Sunday morning to assess the crime scene. Majumdar is also expected to visit the victim's home later today.

In other developments, BJP's West Bengal state president and Union Minister of State, Sukanta Majumdar, who was arrested on Saturday for protesting against the crime, was released from Kolkata Police headquarters on Sunday morning.

"We were made to wait on a bench throughout the night at the city police headquarters. The police insisted that we sign the bail bond, which we refused. Instead, we requested to be presented in court. This morning, they allowed us to leave the headquarters without signing the bail bond," Sukanta Majumdar recounted.

Point of View

It is essential to approach the Kolkata law college rape case with a focus on transparency and justice. The decision to use initials rather than full names in the FIR raises significant concerns about accountability. The public deserves clarity, especially when political affiliations are involved. Upholding the principles of justice must be paramount.
NationPress
02/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the accused's initials used instead of names?
The FIR used initials, raising concerns that it was a deliberate attempt to obscure the accused's political affiliations.
Who are the accused in the Kolkata law college case?
The accused are identified as Monojit Mishra, Jaib Ahmed, and Pramit Mukhopadhyay, linked to Trinamool Congress' student wing.
What are the implications of using initials in such cases?
Using initials instead of names can hinder accountability and transparency in legal proceedings, especially in high-profile cases.
What has the response been from political leaders?
Opposition leaders have criticized the decision, claiming it was an attempt to protect the accused's political connections.
What actions have been taken by the National Commission for Women?
A delegation from the NCW visited the crime scene and is expected to meet the victim to assess the situation.
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