The prestigious Joka campus of the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-Calcutta) has been thrust into the spotlight following allegations of rape against a second-year student. The accused, identified as Mahaveer Toppannavar, also known as Parmanand Jain, has been arrested and remanded to police custody until 19 July.

Allegations and investigation

The woman involved, said to be a psychologist and not affiliated with the institute, alleged she was raped inside a hostel on the IIM Calcutta campus after she went there to meet the student and attend a counselling session on Friday. She reportedly told police that after consuming pizza and water during her visit, she began to feel drowsy, leading investigators to suspect possible drugging.

According to Hindustan Times, preliminary inquiries revealed that the woman had not registered her name at the main gate or the hostel entrance. Police are currently probing the circumstances and substance of her claim.

IIM Calcutta responds

The institute issued a statement on Saturday expressing deep concern over the incident. “IIM Calcutta has zero tolerance for such incidents and remains steadfast in upholding a safe and respectful campus environment,” the statement read. The administration further confirmed it is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

Contradictory statement from complainant’s father

In a surprising twist, the woman’s father has reportedly denied that a rape took place. Speaking to reporters, he claimed his daughter had fallen from an autorickshaw and lost consciousness. He said he received a call at 9:34 pm on Friday informing him that his daughter was being taken to SSKM Hospital’s neurology department after being found unresponsive. The police had apparently transported her there, according to a report by NDTV.

Family of the accused speaks out

The accused student’s mother has maintained her son’s innocence. In a statement to news agency ANI, she said, “We received a call from his friend around 11 in the night. He told us that my son has been detained and he doesn't know the reason... We have no clue why our son has been arrested… He was in the final year of his college… He will never do such a dirty thing."

As the investigation unfolds, questions remain over the conflicting accounts provided by the complainant and her father.