Kolkata Horror: Inhaler Used to Prolong Torture, Police Allege in Court

In a deeply disturbing development, Kolkata Police informed the Alipore court on Tuesday that the accused in the recent rape case of a law student demonstrated an "inhuman intent" by using an inhaler not to alleviate the survivor's suffering, but to extend the horrific ordeal. This shocking revelation emerged as the accused, Monojit Mishra, alongside Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, claimed the act was "consensual."

A Calculated Act of Cruelty

Public prosecutor Sourin Ghosal detailed the grim sequence of events to the court. He stated that the survivor experienced a panic attack when the accused attempted to overpower her. When she struggled for breath, an inhaler was administered. However, Ghosal asserted, this was not an act of mercy. Instead, it was a calculated move to allow her to regain consciousness only to be further assaulted. "They were very desperate," Ghosal told the court, adding, "The inhaler wasn't to help her, it was to continue the attack."

Police Seek Extended Custody Amidst Denials

The police have sought extended custody of the accused, citing their potential influence and the risk of their interfering with the ongoing investigation or intimidating the survivor if released. Officers highlighted that the survivor's medical report corroborated her claims, and both technical and circumstantial evidence supported her account. This evidence reportedly includes CCTV footage from the chemist where the inhaler was purchased, mobile location data of the accused, and witness statements.

Despite the damning allegations, the main accused, Monojit Mishra, along with Zaib Ahmed and Pramit Mukherjee, refrained from seeking bail, instead vehemently denying all charges. They maintained that the act was consensual and accused the survivor of fabricating the allegations. Their legal representative even hinted at a possible conspiracy, requesting that the survivor's call records be scrutinized. Pinaki Banerjee, the security guard implicated in the case, pleaded with the court to carefully consider his limited role.

The court has since extended police custody for Monojit, Zaib, and Pramit until July 8, while Pinaki's custody has been extended until July 4.

Commissioner Assures Swift Justice

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma addressed the gravity of the situation, labeling the case "very sensitive." He assured the public that every effort would be made to ensure a swift trial. "We have collected multiple pieces of evidence, and verification is ongoing. If proven guilty, strict punishment will be sought," Verma affirmed.