Kolkata Law College Faces Security Crisis Months After Student Rape
Kolkata: The Kasba Law College, which was the site of a horrific rape of a first-year student in June last year, has been functioning without any dedicated security personnel since the institution's sole permanent security guard retired in January. This alarming security gap has raised serious concerns about campus safety and institutional accountability.
Casual Staffer Given Additional Security Responsibility
In the absence of a permanent guard, the college administration has assigned additional security oversight duties to Pintu Mahali, a casual staff member. Mahali is the son of the previous security guard, Barun Mahali, who retired on January 31. The decision to give Mahali this extra responsibility was made with special permission from the college's governing body, according to Vice-Principal Nayna Chatterjee.
"He has been given additional charge at present. The decision has been made with special permission from the governing body," Chatterjee confirmed during an interview.
Security Arrangements Found Inadequate During Visit
When journalists visited the college around noon on Wednesday to assess security arrangements, Pintu Mahali was not present at the main gate. The former permanent guard used to be stationed at the gate from 8 am to 2 pm daily. A college official explained that as a casual staff member with specific duties, Mahali cannot remain at the gate throughout class hours, though he is reportedly performing his assigned tasks efficiently.
Police Deployment and Recruitment Process Underway
As a temporary measure, following permission from Kolkata Police headquarters, two police personnel—one male and one female—have been deployed from Kasba police station to enhance campus security. However, the college must bear the cost for this police deployment.
Meanwhile, the college has received quotations from at least ten different security agencies, and the scrutiny process is currently underway. Once this preliminary sorting is completed, the matter will be presented to the governing body for final approval.
Permanent Position Requires Lengthy Appointment Process
The vacant security guard position can only be filled through an appointment by the College Service Commission, which is expected to take considerable time. Vice-Principal Chatterjee stated, "We have informed the appropriate authority about the vacancy, and they must be working on this."
Background of Security Lapses Following Previous Incident
This security crisis follows the June 2023 rape of a first-year student on the college campus. On the day of the alleged crime, security staff from a private security agency who were present were arrested along with three other accused individuals. After this incident, the college discontinued its contract with the private security agency and relied solely on the now-retired permanent security guard until January.
The current situation highlights ongoing institutional challenges in maintaining adequate security measures at educational institutions, particularly those that have previously experienced serious safety breaches. The college community awaits more permanent security solutions while temporary measures remain in place.
