Two activists of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP), the student wing of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), were arrested on 26 August 2025 for allegedly tearing and trampling a poster bearing the image of Swami Vivekananda at Samsi College in Malda district, West Bengal. A third accused remains at large despite a police search being underway.

What the Viral Video Showed

A video clip that circulated widely on social media showed three TMCP activists associated with Samsi College first tearing a poster of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) — which carried an image of Swami Vivekananda — and then kicking and trampling it. The footage drew sharp public backlash and prompted police to launch an immediate investigation to identify those involved.

Arrests Made, One Accused Still Absconding

Following the investigation, police identified three individuals and subsequently arrested two of them: Debojit Saha and Arijit Ravidas. The third accused, Tariq Anwar, is still absconding. Authorities have launched a search operation to locate him. Notably, Anwar had already posted a video message on social media in which he reportedly apologised for his actions, apparently anticipating the legal consequences.

ABVP's Reaction and Complaint

Prasun Chowdhury, the ABVP's organisational president for Malda (North), alleged that the incident on 22 August was a deliberate provocation. 'They are yet to get over such nasty habits. On August 22, they tore the picture of Swami Vivekananda. They tried to send a bad signal by tearing and trampling on the ABVP flag. They also proudly uploaded this video on social media. On August 23, we filed a written complaint against the accused at Chanchal police station. The police took immediate action. Both of them have already been arrested. The main accused, Tariq, is still absconding,' Chowdhury said. He demanded the immediate arrest of Anwar and stated that ABVP would not tolerate any insult to Swami Vivekananda.

A Pattern of Similar Incidents in Malda

This is not the first time Malda has witnessed such a controversy involving TMCP activists. In 2024, TMCP members at Chanchal College in the same district allegedly burnt a picture of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, triggering widespread protests. Those demonstrations were led by the then Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, who is now the state's Chief Minister. Facing sustained pressure, police had arrested the then president of the TMCP's Chanchal College unit. The recurrence of such incidents at Malda institutions has intensified scrutiny of the student wing's conduct on campuses.

What Happens Next

With two accused in custody, police are focused on apprehending Tariq Anwar. The ABVP has maintained pressure on authorities to ensure swift action. The episode is likely to fuel further political friction between the ruling TMC and opposition groups in West Bengal, particularly given the symbolic weight attached to Swami Vivekananda's image across the political spectrum.