Kolkata’s Jadavpur University is at the center of a heated debate following the appearance of provocative graffiti proclaiming ‘Azad Kashmir’ and ‘Free Palestine’ on a campus wall near Gate 3. The Kolkata Police have initiated a Suo motu case against supporters of the left-wing student organization, Progressive Democratic Students’ Federation, under Sections 61 and 152 of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita, which address criminal conspiracy and acts endangering India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity.
The graffiti, depicting a hand entwined with barbed wire accompanied by the contentious slogans, has intensified existing tensions within the university. The campus has been on edge since March 1, when two students were injured after vehicles in the convoy of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu allegedly grazed past them during a protest. This incident led to an FIR against Basu and Professor Om Prakash Mishra, a Trinamool Congress leader, further fueling unrest among the student body.
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The emergence of the graffiti has sparked a blame game among student organizations. Kishalay Roy, president of the Jadavpur University Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, accused ultra-left student outfits of being behind the act, suggesting that more such graffiti could be found across the campus. In contrast, Abhinaba Basu, a leader of the Students’ Federation of India, affiliated with the Communist Party of India, distanced his organization from the graffiti, stating that while they oppose the repression of minorities, they do not support secessionist views.
The incident has also drawn attention to the presence of plainclothes police officers on campus, a move that has been met with resistance from sections of students and faculty. Despite these tensions, classes and examinations proceeded as scheduled, indicating a complex environment where academic activities continue amidst political unrest.
Jadavpur University has a history of student activism and has been the site of previous controversies. In 2014, the university witnessed significant protests following allegations of molestation, leading to clashes between students and police. More recently, in August 2023, the campus was rocked by the tragic death of a freshman student, allegedly due to ragging, prompting widespread outrage and calls for stricter security measures.
The current situation has elicited varied reactions from political entities. The TMCP has condemned the graffiti, calling for stringent action against those responsible. On the other hand, left-leaning student groups have criticized the increased police presence, viewing it as an attempt to suppress legitimate dissent.
As investigations proceed, the university administration faces the challenging task of balancing the enforcement of law and order with the preservation of academic freedom and the right to protest. The outcome of this situation may have lasting implications for campus politics and the broader discourse on freedom of expression within educational institutions.
The Kolkata Police’s actions, including the examination of CCTV footage and the gathering of forensic evidence, underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident. The invocation of specific sections of the BNS highlights the legal framework’s capacity to address activities perceived as threats to national integrity.
