A 20-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by two men she knew after they lured her to celebrate her birthday in Kolkata’s Regent Park area, marking another disturbing incident in the city’s recent string of crimes against women.
The Birthday Trap
The assault occurred on Friday in the Regent Park area of south Kolkata when the victim was taken to celebrate her birthday. The two accused, identified as Chandan Malik and Deep, used the birthday celebration as a pretext to lure the woman to Deep’s residence.
According to police sources, the survivor from Haridevpur was invited by Chandan to join the birthday celebration at Deep’s flat. Deep is reportedly employed as a government worker, adding another layer of concern about the abuse of trust and position.
Details of the Assault
Police investigations reveal a calculated pattern of deception and violence. The woman was taken to Deep’s apartment where they initially shared a meal as part of the birthday celebration. However, when she expressed her desire to return home, the situation turned sinister.
“When she wanted to return home, the accused stopped her. They allegedly locked the door and gang-raped her,” a police source explained. The assault continued for hours, with the victim trapped inside the apartment.
The woman only managed to escape at around 10:30 AM on Saturday, nearly 24 hours after the ordeal began. After reaching home, she informed her family members about the incident, who supported her in filing a formal complaint.
Investigation and Search Operation
An FIR was registered on Saturday under relevant sections of the law after the victim’s family approached the police. However, both accused men disappeared immediately after committing the crime, making the investigation more challenging.
“We have started a search for the accused who are absconding,” an investigating officer confirmed. Police are currently conducting operations to locate and arrest both suspects.
Calculated Deception
The case reveals a disturbing pattern of long-term manipulation. According to the victim’s complaint, she had been introduced to Chandan several months earlier. He presented himself as the head of a prominent Durga Puja committee in south Kolkata, using this false status to gain her trust.
Through Chandan, the woman met Deep, and the three maintained contact over time. The accused had promised to involve her in puja committee activities, using this promise to maintain the relationship and create opportunities for exploitation.
This method of building trust over months before committing the crime shows premeditation and calculated planning by the perpetrators.
Pattern of Crimes in “Safe” City
This incident adds to a troubling series of crimes against women in Kolkata, despite the city being ranked as the safest for women according to National Crime Records Bureau data. The contrast between statistical safety and ground reality raises questions about reporting mechanisms and actual security conditions.
Recent Similar Cases
The gang-rape follows other high-profile cases that have shaken the city:
Law College Campus Assault: In June, a law student was allegedly raped on the South Calcutta Law College campus. The primary accused, Monojit Mishra, was an alumnus and former president of the college’s Trinamool Chhatra Parishad unit.
RG Kar Hospital Tragedy: The case also brings back memories of last year’s rape and murder of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. This incident triggered nationwide protests and highlighted systemic issues in women’s safety. The accused, Sanjay Roy, a former civic police volunteer, received life imprisonment earlier this year.
Broader Implications
These incidents reveal several concerning patterns:
Abuse of Trust: In multiple cases, perpetrators used their positions or relationships to gain access to victims.
Institutional Connections: Several accused individuals had connections to educational institutions or government positions.
Safety Perception vs Reality: Despite statistical rankings, actual safety conditions appear more complex and problematic.
Community Response and Concerns
The repeated incidents have raised questions about the effectiveness of safety measures and law enforcement response in the city. Women’s rights activists and community leaders are calling for more comprehensive approaches to preventing such crimes.
The case highlights the need for better awareness about manipulation tactics used by predators and the importance of reporting suspicious behavior early.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the accused to justice and ensuring such calculated attacks on women are prevented through improved safety protocols and community vigilance.
Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner
