Kolkata sexual abuse case: Manojit had ruined lives of several women, says former friend

KOLKATA: New disturbing details have emerged about Manojit Mishra, the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) leader who is the main accused in the gang rape of a 24-year-old law student in Kolkata. In an interview with a national media outlet, Titas Manna, a former friend of Manojit, revealed that the accused had a history of harassing multiple women. Titas claimed that despite several women facing harassment at the hands of Manojit, most of them remained silent out of fear and did not come forward with complaints. He further alleged that Manojit was involved in a stabbing incident in 2013, after which he disappeared and remained in hiding for three years.

Due to his criminal background, Manojit was sidelined from student politics, Titas said. "He led many violent incidents on campus and was known for harassing and assaulting fellow students," he said.

Titas said that he met Manojit in 2012 while they were both part of the TMCP unit at South Calcutta College. "In 2013, Manojit allegedly stabbed a catering worker and cut off his finger, after which a case of attempted murder was filed against him. Following this, he went into hiding. He joined the college again in 2016 after the case was settled," he said.

"When Manojit tried to return to student politics in 2017, TMCP leadership denied him entry, citing his criminal record. He was told he could study and complete his course, but not be part of the student union. After a few days, Manojit stormed onto the campus with around 40 supporters and attacked student union members, leading to a major clash. What followed was a reign of terror on the campus. After the violence, no one wanted to associate with him. His behaviour worsened—he picked up fights, assaulted students, issued threats, and trapped others in false cases," Titas alleged. Despite internal opposition, Manojit became a powerful figure on campus.

Titas also clarified that TMCP never supported Manojit's actions. "Even the former union president had filed complaints against him. However, no action was taken. During his time at the college, Manojit was allegedly involved in several incidents targeting female students. Most victims stayed silent out of fear," he added..

On June 25, Manojit, along with two current students of the Law College, was arrested by the police for gang-raping a first-year student inside the college guard room. According to the survivor, she was brutally assaulted for rejecting Manojit's marriage proposal. Despite several past complaints, no action had been taken against Manojit, college sources confirmed.