Bangladeshi student alleges rape by teacher; West Bengal women’s panel takes cognisance

The West Bengal Commission for Women said it has taken note of allegations of rape and life threat levelled by a Bangladeshi student against a university professor in Paschim Bardhaman district.

The West Bengal Commission for Women on May 15 said it has taken note of allegations of rape and life threat levelled by a Bangladeshi student against a university professor in Paschim Bardhaman district.

It will recommend appropriate action if the allegations are found to be true after police investigation.

Commission chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay told PTI it has spoken to all concerned, including the complainant — a woman student residing in a hostel of the State-run Kazi Nazrul University near Asansol on Saturday.

The members of the commission recommended to the police that all the points referred to in the woman's complaint, including the alleged life threat sent to her by the accused via SMS, be examined.

Ms. Gangopadhyay said the commission received a complaint from the post-graduate student that the accused had raped her at her cabin at a private hospital where she had been admitted after her “death by suicide attempt” as their relationship had turned sour.

"Apart from our members who had met her personally, I have interacted with her more than once over the phone and heard her views.

"We have also been informed by her that when she lodged a complaint with police, she got a threat via SMS allegedly from the professor. We know that the accused was arrested and then got bail. We have nothing to comment about the judicial process, but will ensure that the complaints are investigated thoroughly by the police. If the charges are found to be true, the accused should be punished as per law," Ms. Gangopadhyay said.