NEW DELHI: Even before the horrific ‘gang-rape’ allegations against Manojit Mishra stunned Kolkata, many students at the law college knew him not for his legal acumen but for the unchecked power he allegedly wielded on campus — and the fear he instilled among women. A college insider has now revealed that Manojit, also known as ‘Mango’, had a long history of recording private moments of women, morphing their pictures and sharing them in WhatsApp groups for amusement and ridicule. “He filmed private moments with women and showed them to his friends. He recorded almost everything. He and his aides used to click photos of women and post them in groups, body shaming and maligning them,” she said. Another source said that multiple complaints of molestation, harassment, assault and even extortion had been filed against him with the college authorities and police. “The party had been alerted too, but no action followed,” the source said.Real influence stemmed from politicsManojit’s fall from grace was neither sudden nor unpredictable. He first enrolled in 2007 and later rejoined the college in 2017, but reportedly dropped out midway during both stints. Despite being ousted from the college’s Trinamool Chhatra Parishad unit in 2021 over rowdyism, he returned the following year — not as a student, but as a contractual staff member, armed with a governing body appointment letter.
In 2022, he formally graduated and began practicing at Alipore court. But insiders say his real influence stemmed not from the law, but from politics. “He was the 121st candidate in a class with 120 seats. Everyone knew it. But no one questioned it, thanks to his political backing,” said a batchmate.
A toxic mix of clout and impunity
Even after the dissolution of the college’s official Trinamool unit in 2017 — following an incident where Manojit allegedly led a group to vandalise the principal’s office — his grip on campus only grew stronger. Sources say he operated without formal party designation, but acted as the de facto TMCP strongman on campus.
Pramit, Manojit, Zaib
He ran college WhatsApp groups where he allegedly removed students at will, used access to staff rooms, and organised events with full authority. Students claim that his leadership style was not only intimidating but deeply misogynistic.
Estranged at home, feared on campus
Back home in Kalighat, Manojit lived alone. His father, Robin Mishra — a local priest — had severed ties with him five years ago. The two live just four houses apart but haven’t spoken in years. “Let the law take its course. If he’s done it, let him be punished. The survivor is also someone’s daughter,” Robin said. Neighbours described Manojit as volatile and disruptive. “There were always fights, drunken brawls, people screaming outside his house,” one said. “One of the co-accused seen on TV was here recently after another drinking session.” His mother and sister had reportedly moved out years ago. His grandmother, who lived with him, passed away in 2023.(The victim’s identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)
