Kolkata: The law college in south Kolkata, where a student was gang-rape last June, wrote to the higher education dept on Thursday seeking additional funds to install 115 CCTV cameras, as recommended by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Following approval by the governing body, two new security guards will also be appointed through a private security agency from April to strengthen security on the campus.
The college received a written communication from the PWD stating that 115 cameras are required for full coverage of the entire campus. During a recent visit, PWD engineers initially indicated that around 126 CCTV cameras would be needed, but the number was later reduced to 115.
Nayna Chatterji, the vice-principal, said, “The number of CCTV cameras to be installed, according to the list we received from the PWD, was approved in the last governing body meeting. However, we have nothing to do with the budget, for which we are writing to the higher education department, mentioning the list we received from the PWD.”
Earlier, the college estimated that 77 CCTV cameras were needed to be installed and sent a budget proposal of Rs 12 lakh to the higher education dept. Before granting final approval, PWD engineers were asked to review the requirement. After conducting a thorough review, the team found that some additional areas, such as the roof and storeroom, also needed CCTV coverage.
The college had three CCTV cameras installed in 2023, which are now functional and provide surveillance of the main gate and adjacent areas.
After the incident, Monojit Mishra, the key accused and a casual staff member, along with former student Pramit Mukherjee, a second-year student, and Zaib Ahamed, a first-year student, were arrested.
After the incident, the college decided to appoint trained security personnel and, if possible, ex-servicemen. The last governing body meeting, held on March 11, decided to appoint two guards from a private security agency. It was decided that the night security guard would be on duty from 10 pm to 6 am, while the day security guard would be on duty from 7 am to 3 pm. Two security guards from the new private security agency are likely to join in April.
