Kolkata Police Establish SIT to Investigate Alleged Rape at IIM Calcutta

The Kolkata Police has established a Special Investigation Team to investigate a serious allegation of rape at the IIM Kolkata campus. The accused, Mahavir Toppanwar, is currently in police custody until July 19, following a court order. The case has drawn significant attention, with the accused's family expressing shock and asserting his innocence. As the investigation unfolds, the police are gathering evidence to ensure a fair process. This incident raises critical discussions about safety on educational campuses and the legal proceedings surrounding such allegations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 13, 2025, 16:26 IST

Formation of Special Investigation Team

The Kolkata Police has set up a nine-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the reported rape of a woman on the IIM Kolkata campus. Officials announced this development on Sunday, stating that the team will be led by the Deputy Commissioner of the South West Division to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.

Court Orders Police Custody

On the previous day, the Alipore court ordered that the accused, Mahavir Toppanwar, also known as Parmanand Jain, be held in police custody until July 19.

Details from the Police Prosecutor

Kolkata Police Chief Prosecutor Sourin Ghosal informed the media that the defense had filed a bail application, arguing that the encounter was consensual. Ghosal countered this claim, stating, "We requested police custody, while the accused sought bail, asserting consent. However, our preliminary investigation indicates a crime occurred, supported by medical evidence. The court has granted police custody until July 19."

Accused's Family Reaction

The mother of the accused, Mahaveer Toppannavar, expressed her shock at the situation, claiming ignorance about the reasons for his detention. She maintained that her son, a final-year student at the esteemed institution, is innocent and incapable of such actions. Following his arrest on Friday night, prompted by a woman's complaint of rape on the campus, she stated, "We received a call from his friend late at night, informing us of his detention without any explanation. We are desperate to meet him and understand the situation."

Mother's Plea

She further added, "He is in his final year of college, and we are unfamiliar with Kolkata, including the police station or the court. My son is innocent and has come here to pursue his studies. He would never engage in such reprehensible behavior."