A formal rape complaint against a promising young academic has pried open a Pandora's box of chilling allegations, with former classmates and acquaintances coming forward to describe a disturbing pattern of alleged psychological manipulation, control, and abuse stretching back years.The accused, Aniket De, an assistant professor at Ashoka University and a former Rhodes Scholar, is now at the center of a serious police investigation in Kolkata. While the official case stems from one woman's rape accusation, a chorus of other voices has emerged, painting a portrait of a man who allegedly used his intellectual charm and academic prestige as a weapon.A Pattern of Troubling BehaviorAccording to accounts from multiple women who knew De during their student years at Kolkata's prestigious Jadavpur and Presidency Universities, his behavior followed a deeply unsettling script. They allege that he would:Secretly Film Intimate Moments: One of the most shocking allegations is that De would record intimate and private moments with his partners without their knowledge or consent.Isolate and Control: He was described as being intensely controlling, allegedly working to isolate his girlfriends from their friends and family, a classic tactic of abusers.Pressure with Sudden Marriage Proposals: Several women recalled how he would suddenly and intensely pressure them to marry him, often as a way to exert further control or escalate the relationship on his terms.Leverage His 'Brilliant' Facade: Many described how De used his reputation as a brilliant and charming scholar to lure and manipulate people, making it difficult for his alleged victims to be believed or to even understand what was happening to them.One former classmate, who knew De for over a decade, described his actions as exhibiting "psychopathic tendencies," highlighting a profound lack of empathy behind his polished public image.The FalloutThe allegations have sent shockwaves through the academic community. Ashoka University, where De was employed, acted swiftly by suspending him and barring him from campus. The university has also launched its own internal investigation through its Committee on Harassment.Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police have registered a formal First Information Report (FIR) based on the rape complaint and are actively investigating the case. The original complainant, who detailed an alleged assault at a Kolkata hotel, bravely came forward after years, stating that the trauma had a severe impact on her mental and physical health.The case has ignited a powerful conversation online and on campuses about abuse of power, consent, and the way intellectual facades can mask predatory behavior. As more women share their stories, it underscores the courage it takes to speak out and the importance of believing survivors.
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