Abhijit Ray,(Special Correspondent)
Kolkata: Jadavpur University witnessed high drama on Friday as a section of protesters allegedly vandalized the main gate of the campus, triggering tension, condemnation, and a fresh round of protests that drew in students and general citizens.
According to eyewitnesses, members of a student organization broke the university’s nameplate and damaged the entrance gate around 3 PM on Friday, while attempting to force entry during an ongoing agitation.
University officials called the act “unacceptable” and said it disrupted academic activities.
“This kind of vandalism sets a wrong precedent. We urge students to express dissent peacefully,” a senior university official stated.
The ABVP has been named by several student unions and faculty members as being involved in the incident.
ABVP leaders, however, denied the allegations and claimed they were protesting against “administrative inaction” on student issues.
Chronology of Events :
The trouble began late Wednesday night, around 12:30 AM, when the university authorities allege a group of outsiders entered the campus.
In an FIR lodged Friday evening at Jadavpur Police Station, the administration cited damage to the university emblem, the main gate, an attack on Aurobindo Bhavan, and attempts to forcibly open the hostel gate.
The incident sparked a 37-hour-long agitation on campus.
On Thursday, ABVP and Left-backed student organizations held separate marches with banners reading “Jadavpur is Calling” and “No Place for Fascists on This Soil.”
Vice-Chancellor submitted a written complaint to police during this period.
By Friday evening, the protest gained further momentum as many local residents joined the students in solidarity, bringing activity around Jadavpur to a near halt. In response, security was tightened around the campus.
Police and Political Reaction :
Police officials confirmed they have received complaints and have registered two FIRs — one based on the VC’s complaint and another related to Thursday’s marches.
They said CCTV footage is being reviewed. No arrests have been made so far.
The vandalism comes amid weeks of unrest at Jadavpur University over demands related to student council elections, campus safety, and administrative reforms.
Protesters had earlier staged sit-ins and marches demanding dialogue with the university administration.
The incident also drew political reactions.One State Minister acknowledged that an “insult” had occurred at Jadavpur.
BJP leader Dilip Ghosh warned of a “surgical strike” if “anti-national activities” continued. Another BJP Minister Swapan Dasgupta said, “Student movements are not new in Bengal, but clashes are undesirable.
The emblem can be repaired, but the insult cannot be denied.”
Several Student organizations across the city condemned the damage to public property.
“We may disagree on issues, but destroying university infrastructure helps no one,” said a representative of a student federation.
University authorities have said they will review CCTV footage and take action against those found responsible.
The administration has appealed to all student groups to maintain peace and resume classes, stating that dialogue is the only way forward.
The vandalism at Jadavpur University has drawn widespread condemnation across West Bengal.
