Woman Alleges Assault at Kolkata Nightclub, Park Street Gang-Rape Link Suspected
A young woman has accused a group of men of assaulting her at a high-profile nightclub on Kolkata’s Park Street—a location infamous for the 2012 gang-rape case. The victim, whose identity remains protected, claims she was physically and verbally abused, raising concerns about women’s safety in the city’s nightlife.
The Allegations: What Happened?
The incident reportedly occurred late on Saturday night at a popular Park Street nightclub. According to the victim, a group of intoxicated men harassed her, escalating to physical assault when she resisted.
“They pushed me, groped me, and hurled abuses when I tried to resist,” she stated in her police complaint. She also alleged that club security ignored her pleas before she managed to escape and call the police.
Police Response: Investigation Underway
Kolkata Police have filed a case under IPC sections 354 (assault) and 509 (outraging modesty). Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning witnesses but have dismissed premature links to the 2012 Park Street gang-rape case.
“We are taking this seriously, but connecting it to past incidents is speculative at this stage,” said a senior officer.
Meanwhile, club staff have denied the allegations, calling it a “misunderstanding.” Women’s rights activists, however, highlight a recurring pattern of victim-blaming in such cases.
Public Outrage and Political Reactions
The case has sparked outrage on social media, with users recalling the 2012 gang-rape and demanding better safety measures. Opposition leaders have criticized the TMC government, accusing it of failing women.
- BJP’s Rahul Sinha: “Kolkata’s law and order is deteriorating, and women are paying the price.”
- TMC’s Mahua Moitra: “Condemn the crime, but avoid politicizing unrelated cases.”
Nightclub Safety Under Scrutiny
The incident has reignited concerns over safety in Kolkata’s nightlife. Despite stricter rules post-2012, harassment remains a problem. Experts recommend:
– Mandatory gender-sensitivity training for staff
– Increased CCTV surveillance in vulnerable zones
“Prevention requires zero tolerance for harassment,” says criminologist Dr. Ranjit Sen.
Next Steps in the Case
Police promise a swift probe, but activists demand concrete steps. The victim’s family has sought security amid fears of backlash. As investigations continue, Kolkata’s nightlife faces tough questions about women’s safety.
Stay updated as this story develops.
