Fresh Clash at Jadavpur University Leaves Student Injured Amid Teacher Assault Row

Students clashed at Kolkata’s Jadavpur University on Monday, days after the alleged assault of teachers triggered unrest on campus. A confrontation broke out between members of the Collective and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).

A postgraduate first-year English student, Priyam Chattopadhyay, sustained injuries in the incident. He is currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital after suffering a ruptured eardrum.

According to reports, Priyam was present during Friday’s episode of alleged teacher assault and had reportedly tried to shield faculty members from a group of agitated students. The SFI has claimed that Monday’s attack was a direct fallout of that intervention.

Koushiki Bhattacharya, joint secretary of the SFI’s regional committee at Jadavpur University, alleged that Priyam was targeted for supporting the teachers. “Priyam had stood by the teachers that day. That is why he was attacked. He has sustained injuries to his eardrum and is hospitalised,” she said.

Meanwhile, a section of the university’s teaching community has intensified its demand for action against those accused in the 20 February incident involving faculty members. They have warned of a phased agitation if their demands are not met.

On Monday, the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association submitted a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor. The body has announced that if appropriate steps are not taken, teachers will observe a cease-work on 26 February. They also plan to join a protest rally on 27 February. If the situation remains unresolved, they have indicated that from 2 March they will withdraw from all administrative responsibilities.

Earlier in the day, the university authorities assured that stringent measures would be taken. A five-member inquiry committee has been constituted to investigate the alleged harassment of teachers on 20 February. The committee has been directed to submit its findings in a sealed envelope by 27 February.

The panel will be chaired by former ISI Director Bimal Roy. Other members include former Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University Vice-Chancellor Shyamal Roy, former Bose Institute Registrar Shampa Das, and Jadavpur University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Amitava Dutta. Deputy Registrar Abul Hasnath will serve as the designated administrative officer for the inquiry.

In the evening, the university issued a separate notification imposing a series of restrictions on campus access and activities. Entry between 7 pm and 7 am will now require mandatory display of identity cards. Vehicles must carry university-issued parking stickers. The notification also prohibits entry with alcohol, cannabis or any intoxicating substances.

Gatherings will not be permitted after 8 pm, and all classes must conclude by 9 pm. The notice further states that anyone found loitering on campus without valid reason after 8 pm will be treated as an outsider and dealt with in accordance with the law.​