Synopsis
Kolkata's Jadavpur University is facing heightened tensions following police actions. A student has been arrested, and a proposed police outpost may spark renewed conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the state Secretariat, raising concerns among students and authorities alike.Key Takeaways
- Increased police actions at Jadavpur University following unrest.
- Arrest of student Soumyadeep Mahato linked to PDSF.
- Protests anticipated in response to the arrest.
- Kolkata Police seeks to establish a police outpost on campus.
- Governor C.V. Ananda Bose's stance on the matter clarified.
Kolkata, March 13 (NationPress) In light of intensified police actions and measures stemming from the turmoil at West Bengal's Jadavpur University on March 1, new complications are expected to arise, particularly a renewed conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the state Secretariat.
Two major updates concerning police actions have already stirred the situation.
The initial update is the apprehension of a first-year Jadavpur University Philosophy student, Soumyadeep Mahato, by the Kolkata Police late Wednesday night following extensive questioning.
Reportedly affiliated with the Progressive Democratic Students’ Federation (PDSF), a student faction known for its ultra-Left ideologies, he has been accused of committing arson at a Trinamool Congress-linked teachers’ office on the university grounds on the night of March 1.
This incident has sparked increased tension on campus, with students gearing up for protests against the arrest.
The second development, which could ignite a new conflict between the Raj Bhavan and the state Secretariat in the upcoming days, involves the Kolkata Police's request to Jadavpur University officials for space to establish a police outpost on the campus.
Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, who also serves as the Chancellor of all state-run universities, has indicated that he will not remain passive if this police initiative breaches existing legal standards.
“The decision lies with the university authorities. However, it must adhere to the current regulations. Should the decision comply with the legal framework, I will not intervene. If I sense any injustice or irregularity in the decision, I will step in as Chancellor, but that time has not yet arrived,” the Governor stated.
Additionally, the CPI(M) student wing, Students’ Federation of India (SFI), has expressed its strong opposition to the proposed police outpost on campus.
“We are skeptical that the suggested police outpost aims to prolong the tension instead of alleviating it. This seems to be the state administration's primary objective,” asserted SFI state secretary in West Bengal, Debanjan Dey.
Disturbances erupted within the Jadavpur University campus on Saturday when the State Education Minister Bratya Basu's vehicle was allegedly obstructed upon entering the campus, leading to a scuffle.
The students were advocating for immediate elections for the university's student council.
The demonstrators claimed that as Basu opted to exit in response to the protests, his vehicle intentionally struck two protesting students, leading to significant injuries and hospitalization.
Amid the uproar, the Minister suffered minor injuries and became unwell. He was subsequently admitted to the state-run S.S.K.M. Medical College and Hospital and was later discharged.
