Attack on Jadavpur varsity students sparks debates over state of democracy in educational institutions

By Harsh Thakor

On March 1, 2025, students at Jadavpur University attempted to meet West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu to present their demand for democratic student parliament elections. However, violence erupted when over 1,000 individuals reportedly attacked the students as they sought dialogue. Tensions escalated when the minister left without addressing the students, leading them to surround his vehicle. Amid the commotion, student Indranuj Roy was injured after allegedly being run over by Basu’s car, suffering serious head injuries. Other students, including DYSA worker Nadeem, sustained severe injuries, and multiple students were hospitalized.

The situation was further aggravated when some students vandalized the minister’s vehicle, breaking windows, placing shoes on it, and writing slogans. Reports indicate that police and university officials struggled to manage the unrest, which lasted nearly two hours. Student organizations condemned the incident, accusing the administration of suppressing democratic rights on campus. Protesters alleged that student activists faced violent retaliation, including mistreatment at police stations.

The broader context includes accusations that the ruling Trinamool Congress has been monopolizing student elections in universities across West Bengal, preventing democratic representation. Student union elections at Jadavpur University and other institutions have reportedly not taken place since January 2020. The delay has been attributed to pending amendments in campus poll regulations.

Various student groups organized protests across the state in response to the Jadavpur incident, with allegations of police action against demonstrators. Reports claim that female protesters were manhandled and media personnel were also targeted. Statements from organizations such as the Revolutionary Student Front (RSF) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) condemned the violence and pledged further action.

The incident has sparked debates over the state of democracy in educational institutions, the role of the media in shaping narratives, and the conduct of law enforcement. Critics argue that these events reflect broader issues concerning political interference in student affairs and human rights violations.

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*Freelance journalist

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