Agartala, August 13:
The alleged kidnapping and gang rape of a woman student reportedly associated with Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) College in Agartala has triggered concern and political reactions, with Tripura Police saying the investigation is being pursued from multiple angles based on the account and descriptions provided by the alleged survivor.
The alleged survivor, in an emotional video message, had directly appealed to Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, who also holds the Home portfolio, seeking justice and action against those responsible. She had alleged that she was kidnapped while returning from MBB College and subsequently sexually assaulted.
However, MBB College Principal Dr Arjun Gope said the institution had not received any official information regarding the incident so far.
“We have seen the news in newspapers and electronic media only. Till now, we have not received any information from any source, including the victim’s family,” the principal said.
Dr Gope also said that the college was unable to independently establish whether the alleged survivor was a student of MBB College as her identity and other details had not been officially communicated to the institution.
“We are not sure that she is a student of this college because we do not know her name and other details. So there is no scope for verification,” he said, declining to comment further until official information becomes available.
Meanwhile, Tripura Police said the allegations were being examined seriously and investigators were working to establish the sequence of events and identify those allegedly involved.
IG Law and Order of Tripura Police, Ipper Manchak Dnyanoba, said the investigation was being conducted from different angles on the basis of the statements and descriptions given by the alleged survivor.
Police are examining descriptions of the vehicle and persons allegedly involved, besides trying to establish the timeline, locations and movements connected with the incident, he said.
The police officer said investigators were attempting to reach the root of the matter and establish the actual facts. If the investigation establishes the involvement of any person, appropriate action would be taken against the guilty, he added.
The police are also attempting to verify the descriptions provided by the alleged survivor and identify the vehicle and individuals mentioned in her account. Investigators are expected to examine the alleged sequence of events, including where she was allegedly taken and the locations involved.
The case has meanwhile raised questions over the safety of women students and the need for a clear investigation into the allegations. With the alleged survivor having publicly appealed to the Chief Minister for justice, attention is now focused on the police investigation and the evidence that emerges from it.
Police have maintained that the investigation is underway and that action will follow if the allegations are substantiated.
