Why is Jailed Maoist Leader Arnab Dam on Hunger Strike in Prison?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Arnab Dam, a Maoist leader in West Bengal, has embarked on a hunger strike in prison after facing a denial of his state scholarship for PhD studies. This situation raises serious questions about political bias and educational access in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Arnab Dam has initiated a hunger strike over a denied scholarship.
- The situation raises concerns about political bias in educational funding.
- Dam has a history of academic excellence, having studied at IIT-Kharagpur.
- The APDR has expressed support for him.
- The state government has not responded to his pleas for help.
Kolkata, Sep 6 (NationPress) - The Maoist leader in West Bengal, Arnab Dam, also known as Vikram, who is currently in judicial custody at a correctional facility in East Burdwan, has initiated a hunger strike starting Saturday. He claims he has been denied a state scholarship that he is entitled to for his PhD studies in history at Burdwan State University.
Arnab Dam alleges that the state government and the state education department are intentionally withholding his scholarship funds, disregarding his capabilities and aspirations for higher education.
In communications with the media, he expressed frustration over the lack of response after sending letters to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and state education minister Bratya Basu.
The Vice Chancellor of Burdwan University, Sankar Nath, stated that the university can only recommend candidates for scholarships, leaving the final decision to the state government.
The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) has also highlighted the issue of the scholarship denial faced by Dam. General Secretary Ranjit Sur remarked, 'No individual should be deprived of a scholarship due to their political affiliations. Dam is a victim of nepotism where merit is overlooked.'
Dam was convicted for his involvement in the attack on the Eastern Frontier Rifles (EFR) camp in Silda, West Midnapore district, during the previous Left Front regime in February 2010.
While in prison, he successfully cleared the state eligibility test (SET) after taking the exam in judicial custody. A known high-achiever since his childhood, he even passed the entrance exam for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and began studying mechanical engineering at IIT-Kharagpur.
During his time at IIT-Kharagpur, he became drawn to Maoist ideology and went underground after his third semester. He was arrested in 2012 in connection with the Silda EFR camp incident.
Despite his incarceration, he resumed his academic pursuits, completing both his graduation and post-graduation through Indira Gandhi Open University, before applying for a PhD at Burdwan State University.
Point of View
It's crucial to approach this situation with an unwavering commitment to truth. The allegations surrounding the denial of a scholarship raise significant concerns about fairness and access to education, irrespective of political beliefs. Our nation must ensure that educational opportunities remain available to all, regardless of their political affiliations.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led Arnab Dam to start a hunger strike?
Arnab Dam began a hunger strike after being denied a state scholarship he believes he is entitled to for his PhD studies.
Where is Arnab Dam currently incarcerated?
Arnab Dam is currently serving his sentence in a correctional home located in East Burdwan, West Bengal.
What has been the response from the state government regarding the scholarship?
Despite letters sent to the Chief Minister and the state education minister, there has been no response or resolution regarding Dam's scholarship.
Who has supported Arnab Dam in his fight for the scholarship?
The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) has publicly supported him, highlighting the issue of political bias in scholarship allocation.
What academic achievements has Arnab Dam attained while in prison?
While incarcerated, Arnab Dam has passed the state eligibility test and completed both his graduation and post-graduation from Indira Gandhi Open University.
