West Bengal: Bangladeshi Student Accuses Professor Of Rape

The West Bengal Commission for Women has acknowledged a Bangladeshi student's accusations of rape and life-threatening acts by a university professor. If the allegations are verified by the police investigation, the commission will recommend appropriate actions.

Commission chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay stated that they have engaged with all parties involved, including the complainant, a female student residing in a state-run university hostel.

As per the report, the commission members have advised the police to thoroughly investigate all aspects mentioned in the woman's complaint, including the alleged life-threatening messages sent to her by the accused via SMS.

Bangladeshi Student Accuses Professor Of Rape

According to Gangopadhyay, the post-graduate student of Kazi Nazrul University lodged a complaint with the commission, stating that the accused had raped her in her hospital cabin while she was admitted after attempting suicide due to a deteriorating relationship. Gangopadhyay further mentioned that she had personally spoken to the complainant on multiple occasions and listened to her perspective over the phone. The commission has sought to ensure a comprehensive investigation by the police and emphasised that if the charges are proven, the accused should be legally punished.

The commission has reached out to all relevant stakeholders in their pursuit of the truth. Gangopadhyay noted inconsistencies between the alleged incident of rape at the nursing home and the statements made by university authorities. The safety of the female student is of paramount concern to the commission, and they have provided recommendations to the police and the university to prevent any physical harm to her.

The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission spokesperson confirmed receiving an official complaint from the student and has forwarded it to the university authorities and the police, urging them to investigate and take appropriate action. The university spokesperson assured their full cooperation with the investigation and stated that they would act accordingly if the charges are substantiated. At present, the university refrained from making any further comments on the alleged incident. The identity of the accused, who obtained anticipatory bail after filing the complaint, has been withheld pending ongoing investigations.

Similar case

In another such case that occurred in the previous month, Hari Padman, a senior instructor at Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, was apprehended following a complaint lodged by a former student. The complaint accused him of engaging in sexual misconduct during her time at the renowned dance institution operated by the foundation.

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