Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Jadavpur University Clash Escalates as ABVP, Left Confront
Students from two opposing political groups fought near Jadavpur University.
One group was the ABVP, while the other included Left student organisations.
The trouble began after the ABVP said one of its leaders was attacked on Wednesday night.
Both groups blamed the other side and said outsiders were involved.
Police put up barricades and locked the university gates.
Some protesters threw eggs, bottles and sticks.
Videos appeared to show people carrying weapons and fires being set on campus.
University officials said they would investigate and consider stronger security.
ABVP supporters clashed with Left student organisations outside Jadavpur University in Kolkata on Thursday.
The confrontation followed allegations that ABVP leader Nikhil Das was assaulted during a Wednesday student-union meeting.
Both sides accused one another of using outsiders and attacking students, while videos appeared to show armed mobs entering the campus.
ABVP supporters broke police barricades, attempted to enter locked gates, and threw eggs, bottles and lathis.
The university is considering stronger security, restrictions on after-dark entry and an inquiry into the violence.
- Who
- ABVP supporters and Left student organisations, including the SFI and AIDSO, with Kolkata Police present.
- What
- A violent confrontation involving alleged assaults, attempts to enter the campus, thrown objects and fires on university grounds.
- When
- The main confrontation occurred Wednesday night and continued on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
- Where
- Jadavpur University and surrounding areas near Jadavpur Police Station and Raja Subodh Mullick Road in Kolkata.
- Why
- The confrontation followed the ABVP's allegation that leader Nikhil Das was assaulted during a student-union meeting; both sides also cited broader political and ideological disputes.
ABVP and BJP-linked supporters
Left student organisations
Responsibility for the violence
ABVP and BJP-linked supporters
The ABVP alleged that Nikhil Das was assaulted by SFI and DSO-DSF members during a student-union meeting and said outsiders attacked its supporters.
Left student organisations
Left leaders accused the opposing side of bringing outsiders, attacking students and attempting to set fire to a university building.
Campus access and protest
ABVP and BJP-linked supporters
ABVP supporters said they could not be prevented from entering Jadavpur University and tried to cross barricades and locked gates.
Left student organisations
Left students held protests outside the campus and opposed the alleged violence, while SFI reiterated its demand for student-union elections.
Political character of the confrontation
ABVP and BJP-linked supporters
ABVP functionary Subhabrata Adhikari said the organisation had nothing to do with the BJP, while BJP minister Agnimitra Paul described the conflict as an ideological battle.
Left student organisations
SFI leaders framed the confrontation as part of a wider political struggle and said students would reject the ABVP if elections were held.
- University
- Jadavpur University, a nearly 60-acre campus in Kolkata
- Groups involved
- The ABVP, SFI, AIDSO and other Left organisations
- Reported injuries
- ABVP alleged that leader Nikhil Das was assaulted; other injuries were also reported by the groups
- Police response
- Kolkata Police erected barricades near Jadavpur Police Station and confronted protesters
- Legal action
- Sources said an FIR was filed against 11 people
- University response
- Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee said an inquiry committee would examine the circumstances
- Security proposal
- Authorities were considering a permanent police outpost and restrictions on entry after dark