Skip to main content

Attack on Jadavpur varsity students sparks debates over state of democracy in educational institutions

By Harsh Thakor 
On March 1, 2025, students at Jadavpur University attempted to meet West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu to present their demand for democratic student parliament elections. However, violence erupted when over 1,000 individuals reportedly attacked the students as they sought dialogue. Tensions escalated when the minister left without addressing the students, leading them to surround his vehicle. Amid the commotion, student Indranuj Roy was injured after allegedly being run over by Basu’s car, suffering serious head injuries. Other students, including DYSA worker Nadeem, sustained severe injuries, and multiple students were hospitalized.
The situation was further aggravated when some students vandalized the minister’s vehicle, breaking windows, placing shoes on it, and writing slogans. Reports indicate that police and university officials struggled to manage the unrest, which lasted nearly two hours. Student organizations condemned the incident, accusing the administration of suppressing democratic rights on campus. Protesters alleged that student activists faced violent retaliation, including mistreatment at police stations.
The broader context includes accusations that the ruling Trinamool Congress has been monopolizing student elections in universities across West Bengal, preventing democratic representation. Student union elections at Jadavpur University and other institutions have reportedly not taken place since January 2020. The delay has been attributed to pending amendments in campus poll regulations.
Various student groups organized protests across the state in response to the Jadavpur incident, with allegations of police action against demonstrators. Reports claim that female protesters were manhandled and media personnel were also targeted. Statements from organizations such as the Revolutionary Student Front (RSF) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) condemned the violence and pledged further action.
The incident has sparked debates over the state of democracy in educational institutions, the role of the media in shaping narratives, and the conduct of law enforcement. Critics argue that these events reflect broader issues concerning political interference in student affairs and human rights violations.
---
*Freelance journalist 

Comments

Post a Comment

NOTE: Hateful, abusive comments won't be published. -- Editor

TRENDING

Gharapuri's discoveries: India finds a maritime past, ASI an app

By Gajanan Khergamker  The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has once again demonstrated an extraordinary talent for mistaking administrative housekeeping for institutional achievement. At the very moment excavations at Gharapuri are yielding evidence that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of India's maritime past, the institution has chosen to celebrate the rollout of QR-enabled audio guides and GPS-supported navigation at its monuments. The contrast could not be starker. 
Post a Comment
»

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra  In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.
Post a Comment
»

What's behind Columbia's president-elect speaking out against continuing the country’s peace agenda

By Laura Violeta Devia López  There are just over three weeks left before Abelardo De La Espriella takes office as Colombia’s new president, despite the numerous allegations that cast a shadow over his election and, as usual, discredit the Colombian electoral system. The announcements already being made by Abelardo and his designated cabinet mark a significant change of course, not only for the Colombian people but also for the country’s place in the world.
Post a Comment
»