Kolkata Rape Case Accused Manojit Mishra's Lawyer Says His Client Is Being Framed

In a controversial twist to the alleged rape case at South Calcutta Law College, the lawyer representing the prime accused, Manojit Mishra, has raised doubts over the nature of the case and demanded that the complainant's phone be seized and examined for forensic evidence.

Speaking to reporters outside the court on Tuesday, advocate Raju Ganguly said he has yet to conclude whether the incident qualifies as rape. "I asked Manojit what happened... He told me everyone is making him out to be a villain," Ganguly said.

The lawyer further claimed that when he confronted his client about alleged scratch marks from the victim, Mishra denied having any. "He took off his shirt. I checked. I saw no nail marks," Ganguly stated. "There was only one mark on his neck - he said it was a love bite. When I asked who gave it to him, the police took him away."

Calls for Victim's Phone Seizure

In a remark that has sparked criticism from women's rights groups, Ganguly insisted that the victim's phone should be seized and sent for forensic analysis, including call detail records. "After seeing the records, I feel that perhaps this is not a rape case," he claimed. "I have not come to a conclusion. I will be able to tell you by July 20 whether this is rape or not."

The statement has come under fire from legal experts and activists, who argue that it amounts to trial by speculation and an attempt to deflect from mounting forensic and digital evidence against the accused.

Legal Background

Mishra, along with two current law students - Pramit Mukhopadhyay and Zaib Ahmed - and a college security guard, has been arrested and is currently in police custody until July 8. All four are accused of gang-raping a 24-year-old first-year law student on the night of June 25 in the guard room of the college.

According to police, the victim was lured, beaten with a hockey stick, gang-raped, and filmed. Reports also indicate that the accused used an inhaler to keep her conscious during the assault. DNA samples, CCTV footage, and mobile phone videos have already been collected and are undergoing forensic analysis.

Public & Political Reaction

The lawyer's remarks have added fuel to the fire in a case that has already triggered statewide outrage, protests from students, and political controversy. BJP leaders have accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of protecting Mishra, allegedly linked to its student wing. The TMC has denied the allegations and has called for strict action against the guilty.

Women's rights organisations have condemned the lawyer's narrative, calling it an attempt to victim-blame. "Whether there are nail marks or not does not determine the legal definition of rape," said advocate and activist Rina Dutta. "The focus must remain on evidence, consent, and justice - not on speculative narratives."