Jadavpur University witnessed high tension and clashes after protests erupted against Education Minister Bratya Basu, leading to injuries and political turmoil. Among those injured was Avinav Basu, a student of the university’s arts department and an SFI leader. His father, Amrit Basu, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader from Howrah’s Sankrail, has publicly distanced himself from his son’s political activities.
Clash at Jadavpur University During Minister’s Visit
The unrest began when Minister Bratya Basu attended the annual conference of Webkupa on Saturday. Left-wing student organizations, including SFI, AISA, and DSF, staged protests and shouted ‘Go Back’ slogans, escalating tensions. Allegedly, the protesters deflated the minister’s car tires and vandalized his vehicle and the pilot car. Minister Bratya Basu sustained injuries during the incident.
On the other hand, the protesting students accused the minister’s vehicle of running over a student, who is now hospitalized at KPC Medical College. While his condition is stable, concerns remain that he might lose vision in one eye. Meanwhile, Avinav Basu was also injured, allegedly after being run over by a car belonging to TMC-backed professor Omprakash Mishra.
Father’s Strong Reaction: ‘No Relation With My Son’
Reacting to the incident, Amrit Basu, father of Avinav Basu, expressed his strong disapproval of his son’s actions. In a press conference on Sunday, he stated,
“First of all, I condemn the entire incident. I do not share my son’s ideology. He does not even visit home. He got admitted to Jadavpur University during the COVID-19 period and has been living in a mess ever since. He does not take money from home and manages his expenses through scholarships. I have no relation with him.”
Further, he added,
“After joining Jadavpur, Avinav got involved in politics. Those responsible for the incident should be punished, even if it includes my son.”
TMC’s Response: ‘We Can Take Over Jadavpur’
Following the incident, TMC took an aggressive stance. A rally was organized from Sukanta Setu, attended by senior TMC leaders Kunal Ghosh, Minister Aroop Biswas, and MP Sayani Ghosh.
Kunal Ghosh remarked,
“What happened in Jadavpur is hooliganism. The minister and TMC-backed professors showed restraint. But TMC’s patience should not be mistaken for weakness. If limits are crossed, we will respond appropriately.”
Minister Aroop Biswas warned,
“We can take over Jadavpur if we want! But we are showing democratic restraint.”
Left Student Organizations Call for Strike
In response, Left student organizations, including SFI, took to the streets in protest. They blocked roads and have called for a strike in all colleges and universities across the state on Monday.
Campus Fire and Vice Chancellor’s Harassment
Late Saturday night, further chaos unfolded as a sudden fire broke out in the TMC-backed “Shikshabandhu” office inside the campus. Meanwhile, Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta was allegedly harassed at KPC Hospital when he went to visit the injured students. His kurta was reportedly torn during the altercation.
Multiple FIRs Filed, One Detained
Jadavpur Police Station has registered five FIRs related to the violence. Three of them were filed by Webkupa, citing vandalism of government property and arson. Students have also lodged FIRs against reckless driving on campus. So far, one person has been detained in connection with the incident.