Jadavpur University witnessed fresh unrest on Thursday as members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Left student organisations clashed following a night of violence on the campus, with part of the university’s iconic emblem installed at a gate also getting damaged.
The confrontation followed tensions that erupted on Wednesday night over a general body meeting of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union (FETSU). Both sides accused each other of violence, vandalism and bringing outsiders onto the campus, while several people were reported injured during the unrest.
On Thursday, ABVP supporters marched towards the university as Left student groups organised counter-protests. Police and security personnel were deployed in strength as the rival demonstrations raised tensions around the Jadavpur campus and adjoining areas.
Emblem damaged during protest
The university’s emblem became one of the most visible casualties of the confrontation. Part of the structure installed at a university gate was damaged during the unrest as protesters attempted to enter the campus.
The emblem, associated with renowned artist Nandalal Bose, holds considerable symbolic significance for the institution. Its damage prompted anger among sections of the university community, with teachers demanding action and accountability.
According to faculty members, the outer portion of the emblem came off after people climbed onto or stepped on the structure during the commotion at the gate.
The Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association held an emergency meeting and demanded that the university authorities lodge a police complaint over the incident. Acting registrar Selim Box Mandal, however, said the administration would first establish the facts before deciding on further action.
Rival groups trade allegations
The latest confrontation followed violence late on Wednesday when ABVP members and supporters of Left student organisations came face to face over the FETSU general body meeting.
ABVP alleged that two of its members, including its Jadavpur University unit president Nikhil Das, were assaulted after they questioned the legitimacy of the meeting on the ground that there was no currently elected students’ union.
Left student groups, on the other hand, accused ABVP supporters of attempting to disrupt campus activities and bringing outsiders into the university. Both sides also accused each other of damaging banners, flags and other property during the overnight unrest.
On Thursday, ABVP supporters took out rallies towards the university, while members of Left student organisations assembled near the 8B bus stand. The rival demonstrations brought a heavy police presence to the area.
Police move to contain unrest
As tensions escalated, barricades were erected around sensitive locations and security personnel attempted to keep rival groups apart. The unrest affected movement around the university as demonstrations spilled beyond the campus.
Students and political organisations also levelled allegations of stone-pelting, vandalism and attacks during the confrontations. Police intervention was required to prevent the rival groups from coming into prolonged direct contact.
The violence has once again brought campus security at Jadavpur University under scrutiny, particularly over allegations that people from outside the institution were able to participate in confrontations involving student organisations.
Teachers demand accountability
The damage to the emblem has added a heritage dimension to what began as a political confrontation between rival student groups. Teachers and students have called for the structure to be restored and for responsibility for the vandalism to be established.
With both sides presenting sharply different accounts of how the violence began, university authorities and police are now expected to examine available evidence before determining responsibility.
The campus remained tense following the successive confrontations, with security personnel maintaining a presence in the area to prevent another round of violence.