20 hrs ago
Saffron Protesters Paint Anandabazar Patrika Office After Headline Row
A group of men painted part of a newspaper building saffron in Kolkata.
They were reportedly connected to Hindu nationalist groups.
The protest happened after the newspaper used the words “saffron hooliganism” for a fight at Jadavpur University.
The men shouted that India would not tolerate an insult to saffron.
Police officers were seen nearby in videos.
The men have not been identified, and the newspaper had not filed a complaint when the report was published.
Workers painted the walls back to their original colour.
Press organisations said that a police case against journalists could harm press freedom.
A political leader also said that protests should not turn into force or intimidation.
Men purportedly associated with Hindutva outfits painted parts of the Anandabazar Patrika office saffron in Kolkata.
The protest followed the newspaper’s description of a Jadavpur University clash as “saffron hooliganism.”
Videos showed protesters shouting slogans while police personnel stood nearby; the participants have not been identified.
The newspaper repainted the building within a few hours, and no complaint had been filed at the time of reporting.
An FIR against the newspaper’s editorial team had prompted press bodies to warn about threats to press freedom.
- Who
- Men purportedly associated with Hindutva outfits protested outside Anandabazar Patrika; the participants have not been identified.
- What
- The protesters painted parts of the newspaper’s office saffron and shouted slogans after objecting to a headline about a university clash.
- Where
- Outside the Anandabazar Patrika office in Kolkata, West Bengal.
- When
- The building was painted on September 1, 2026; the disputed Jadavpur University clash occurred on August 20.
- Why
- The protest followed the newspaper’s use of “saffron hooliganism,” or “gerua gundami,” to describe the Jadavpur University violence.
Press Freedom and Opposition to Intimidation
Objection to the Saffron Description
Characterisation of the headline
Press Freedom and Opposition to Intimidation
The Indian Women’s Press Corps and the Press Association criticised the FIR, saying cases against journalists criminalise reporting and disrespect the role of a free press.
Objection to the Saffron Description
The protesters objected to the newspaper’s use of “saffron hooliganism,” shouting that India would not tolerate an insult to saffron.
Nature of the protest
Press Freedom and Opposition to Intimidation
Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh said protests should not descend into brute force and criticised the display of muscle power.
Objection to the Saffron Description
The men expressed their objection through a public protest, slogans and the painting of the building, although the participants’ identities and organisational affiliations had not been confirmed.
Responsibility for the university violence
Press Freedom and Opposition to Intimidation
Left-affiliated student groups blamed the opposing side for the Jadavpur University clash and alleged that outsiders had been brought onto campus.
Objection to the Saffron Description
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad members blamed the opposing student groups and made the same allegation about outsiders; several students were injured.
Key facts
- Protested newspaper
- Anandabazar Patrika
- Location
- Kolkata, West Bengal
- Disputed phrase
- “Saffron hooliganism,” translated from “gerua gundami”
- Related incident
- A clash between Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Left-affiliated student groups at Jadavpur University
- Police action
- An FIR was filed against the newspaper’s editorial team, including two journalists
- Building response
- The walls were repainted to their original colour a few hours later
- Complaint status
- No complaint had been filed against the painters at the time of reporting
Quotes
The protesting men
Men protesting outside the Anandabazar Patrika office
“Hindustan will not tolerate the insult of saffron”
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Indian Women’s Press Corps and Press Association
Journalist organisations that jointly criticised the FIR against the newspaper’s editorial team
“The increasing incidence of registration of FIRs against journalists is disturbing”
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Kunal Ghosh
Trinamool Congress leader commenting on the saffron painting of the newspaper building
“Ongoing attacks all around, with governmental support, and such a display of muscle power by uncultured brutes have dealt an ugly blow to Bengal’s image”
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Sources
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