Kolkata, once considered one of India's safest cities for women, is reeling after two campus sexual assaults - the brutal rape and murder of a doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in August 2024, and a recent alleged gang rape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College earlier this week. Both incidents unfolded on educational premises once assumed secure, sparking widespread alarm and reigniting questions about women’s safety.

Despite official data showing low reported crimes against women in the city, students and residents say trust is eroding fast. A local mother told The Telegraph, "I feel unsafe for myself and for my daughter" - her voice echoing the frustration of many parents . Political leaders renewed calls for accountability: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the Trinamool-run state’s failure to protect women, pointing to a disturbing pattern of institutional neglect .

Meanwhile, the law college accused, Monojit Mishra, faces 11 criminal charges, including four molestation cases, with evidence still under investigation . Protests are escalating again - activists draw parallels to the massive "Reclaim the Night" rallies held post-R.G. Kar tragedy, demanding systemic reforms and better enforcement. As Kolkata mourns yet another failure of safety systems, women’s advocates warn that unless urgent measures are taken, the city’s reputation as a safe haven will crumble further.