The father of the young law student who was brutally gang-raped in Kolkata has become the target of death threats, creating fresh turmoil in an already harrowing case that has shaken West Bengal. The threats emerged just days after the horrific incident came to light, adding another layer of fear to the survivor's family.
Direct Threats and Police Response
According to police sources, the survivor's father received multiple threatening phone calls demanding he withdraw the case filed with the Kolkata Police. The callers explicitly threatened to kill him if he continued pursuing legal action against the perpetrators.
The Kolkata Police has now provided security to the family following these intimidation attempts. Two officers have been stationed outside their residence to ensure their safety, though no arrests have been made in connection with the threats yet.
Details of the Horrific Incident
The case dates back to October 31, 2023, when the 19-year-old law student was allegedly gang-raped by five men inside a parked car near her college in central Kolkata. The survivor had been waiting for public transport after college hours when the accused approached her.
The victim was lured into the vehicle with false promises of dropping her home, after which the horrific assault occurred. Following the incident, the perpetrators abandoned her in a traumatized state near the Maidan area.
The family filed an official complaint with the Park Street police station on November 6, 2023, after which the case was formally registered. The police have identified all five accused based on the survivor's detailed description and statements.
Investigation Status and Public Outcry
Despite clear identification of the perpetrators, all five accused remain at large, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the police investigation. The Kolkata Police has formed special teams to track down the suspects, but progress appears slow.
The case has triggered widespread protests across Kolkata, with student organizations and women's rights groups demanding immediate arrest of the accused. Protesters have gathered outside the college and police headquarters, calling for swift justice and better security for women in the city.
This incident has reignited concerns about women's safety in West Bengal, particularly in educational institutions. Several similar cases have been reported from the state in recent months, creating an atmosphere of fear among female students.
Legal Proceedings and Future Steps
The Kolkata Police has assured the public that they are pursuing all possible leads to apprehend the accused. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the area and conducting raids at suspected hideouts of the perpetrators.
Legal experts emphasize that threatening a witness or family member in a criminal case constitutes a serious offense under Indian law. The threats could lead to additional charges against the accused once they are apprehended.
Women's rights organizations have called for faster investigation and better protection for the survivor's family. They have also demanded enhanced security around educational institutions and improved public transportation safety for students.
As the investigation continues, the survivor's family remains under police protection while grappling with the dual trauma of the assault and subsequent threats. The case has put the spotlight back on women's safety in urban centers and the challenges faced by victims seeking justice.
