Kolkata Law College Reopens Amid Security Concerns Following Campus Assault

Kolkata Law College Resumes Operations

South Kolkata Law College reopened on Monday, eleven days after a first-year student was assaulted on campus. The college was opened under tight security, with senior officials from the Kolkata police overseeing the arrangements. Access to the campus was restricted to first-semester BA LLB students who were called in to submit their exam forms. Private security personnel conducted thorough identity checks as around 100 students, many accompanied by their parents, entered the premises. The college administration issued a directive stating that no student would be allowed to remain on campus after 2 PM. Teaching and non-teaching staff would only be permitted to leave after all students had exited.

Police Actions and Parental Concerns

The police have sealed off the student union room and the security guard's quarters as part of their investigation, and access to these areas is currently prohibited. Regular classes are scheduled to resume on July 8, according to the standard timetable. Haripada Banik, a member of the college's governing body, expressed hope for a swift return to normalcy on campus. Despite assurances from officials, many parents have voiced concerns regarding their children's safety. Sasanka Dhara, the father of a first-semester student, stated that he would accompany his son to college on exam days until the situation stabilizes. Another parent questioned how they could trust the college with their daughter's safety when the administration and security personnel are themselves under scrutiny.

Criticism of Political Involvement

The ruling TMC's student wing has also faced criticism. One parent claimed disbelief that top leaders of the TMC were unaware of criminal activities on campus, particularly regarding the misuse of the student union room. The perpetrators acted with impunity, allegedly due to political backing.