Jadavpur University has announced the formation of a probe panel after a violent confrontation between two student groups left two teachers and several students injured on campus. The incident, which unfolded on February 20, has sparked sharp reactions from the university administration and the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA), raising fresh concerns over campus safety and the deteriorating academic environment.
Clash between student organisations
According to The Hindu, tensions escalated between members of SFI and WTI (We The Independent) near the Science and Arts buildings on Friday evening. Around 12 to 15 teachers reportedly stepped in to defuse the situation and initially managed to disperse the groups.
However, the situation worsened when some students allegedly hurled abuses at faculty members and tore posters and banners belonging to rival groups. JUTA claimed that despite intimidation, teachers continued their efforts to restore calm.
The association further alleged that four to five students and outsiders arrived at the scene in a university ambulance and joined the clash, intensifying the violence.
Teachers assaulted while intervening
Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya described the assault on faculty members as “utterly unacceptable” and contrary to the institution’s long-standing values of dialogue and mutual respect.
“The physical assault of teachers by students of the same university is highly condemnable, unacceptable and unimaginable,” he said, assuring that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those found guilty.
JUTA claimed that Professor Rajyeshwar Sinha was repeatedly punched in the face, causing him to fall and break his spectacles, while Professor Lalit Mahakudh was also assaulted. Both were hospitalised and later discharged after treatment.
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Administration and the teacher’s response
The Vice-Chancellor announced that an inquiry committee is being constituted to investigate the incident and determine responsibility. He also said preventive measures would be introduced to avoid recurrence.
Appealing for calm, the administration urged students to exercise restraint, avoid provocation and engage in peaceful, democratic academic processes. The VC reiterated Jadavpur University’s legacy as a space for intellectual freedom and constructive debate.
Meanwhile, JUTA convened an emergency general body meeting, expressing concern over what it termed the “deterioration of the academic atmosphere". The association also highlighted the university’s financial strain and acute shortage of teaching and non-teaching staff.
JUTA further alleged that a small section of students and outsiders has been attempting to disrupt campus life, including incidents involving the confinement of security personnel and alleged substance use in various campus zones.
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The clash has once again placed Jadavpur University under scrutiny, spotlighting tensions within campus politics and broader concerns about safety and governance. As the inquiry panel begins its work, the administration faces the challenge of restoring trust, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the academic environment that the institution prides itself on upholding.
