1 week ago
Suvendu Adhikari Orders Probe Into Alleged Anti-National JU Graffiti
Officials received photos and videos claiming that troubling writing and drawings appeared at a Jadavpur University hostel.
Suvendu Adhikari ordered university officials to visit the hostel and check whether the material is really there.
If the claims are confirmed, officials will try to find who made it and may take action.
The issue comes after a fight between two student groups at the university.
Adhikari said classes were still taking place normally.
He also said slogans praising Maoist leader Kishenji would not be allowed.
The university vice-chancellor held a long meeting with students and other groups, but they did not reach an agreement.
Student groups held separate marches, and police and security forces guarded the campus.
Mamata Banerjee and some students accused the ruling BJP of worsening the unrest.
Suvendu Adhikari ordered Jadavpur University officials to physically verify alleged violent and anti-national graffiti at the Arts Boys Hostel.
He said authorities should identify those responsible and consider administrative or legal action if the allegations are confirmed.
The directive followed clashes between ABVP and Left-leaning student groups, which injured several students and damaged a university emblem.
Adhikari said classes were continuing normally and that slogans glorifying Maoist leader Kishenji would not be allowed on campus.
A six-hour meeting between the vice-chancellor and stakeholders ended without agreement, while rival student groups held separate marches amid heavy security.
- Who
- Suvendu Adhikari, Jadavpur University officials, Higher Education Department officials, student groups, and Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee.
- What
- An inquiry and physical verification were ordered into alleged violent, sociopathic, and anti-national graffiti and drawings at the Arts Boys Hostel.
- Where
- Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal, particularly the Arts Boys Hostel.
- When
- The directive and related protests occurred on Monday, after clashes the previous week; Patriotism Day programmes are planned for August 28.
- Why
- The Chief Minister’s Office received photographs and videos from students, amid continuing tension after clashes between ABVP and Left-leaning student groups.
Government and BJP Position
Opposition and Student Position
Graffiti and campus activity
Government and BJP Position
Adhikari said alleged anti-national, violent, and objectionable graffiti required immediate physical verification and a zero-tolerance response if confirmed.
Opposition and Student Position
The articles report no independent confirmation of the alleged graffiti; opposition figures and students focused instead on the BJP’s alleged role in creating unrest.
Cause of the campus unrest
Government and BJP Position
The government emphasized slogans glorifying Kishenji and other activities it described as anti-national, saying they would not be allowed.
Opposition and Student Position
Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating the unrest, while SFI members questioned police inaction and alleged that political figures’ roles were not being investigated.
Events surrounding the vice-chancellor
Government and BJP Position
Security personnel said Chiranjib Bhattacharjee was pushed and jostled by students after the meeting.
Opposition and Student Position
Students rejected that account, said the vice-chancellor was doing “drama,” and argued that CCTV footage should be examined because security personnel were pushing students.
Key facts
- Investigation site
- Arts Division Boys Hostel, Jadavpur University
- Verification
- University and Higher Education Department officials were directed to conduct an on-ground physical check.
- Possible action
- If the allegations are verified, authorities may remove the material, identify those responsible, and pursue administrative or legal action.
- Recent violence
- A clash between ABVP and Left-leaning student groups left several students injured; both sides accused the other of bringing outsiders.
- Police investigation
- The university filed a police complaint on August 21, and investigators planned to collect footage from about 60 CCTV cameras.
- Campus status
- Adhikari said classes were being held normally, while the university was heavily secured during separate student marches.
- Patriotism Day
- Adhikari announced about 4,000 programmes across West Bengal on August 28, including a full rendition of Vande Mataram at Jadavpur University.
Quotes
Chiranjib Bhattacharjee
Vice-chancellor of Jadavpur University
“The BJP created mayhem at Jadavpur University. The JU emblem was trampled and destroyed. The university is among the toppers in national and international rankings. Even though I may have differences of opinion with Jadavpur students, I respect them”
indianexpress.com
“Educational institutions are sacred spaces of learning, academic excellence and nation-building. Under no circumstances will campus premises be permitted to be used as platforms for spreading deranged propaganda and anti-India sentiment.”
telegraphindia.com
indianexpress.com
Sources
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