The Kolkata Police have registered an FIR against supporters of the left-wing student organization, Progressive Democratic Students' Federation (PDSF), for allegedly painting graffiti with slogans like "Azad Kashmir" and "Free Palestine" on a wall near Gate 3 of Jadavpur University. The graffiti featured an image of a hand-tied with barbed wire and adorned with flowers, with the slogans written next to it.
The FIR was filed under Section 61(ii) (criminal conspiracy) and Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which criminalizes actions that threaten India's sovereignty, unity, and integrity. Police officials are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify those responsible.
The incident has drawn strong reactions from the Jadavpur University Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (JUTMCP), which has demanded strict action against those involved. JUTMCP chief Kishalay Roy emphasized that the administration must take stringent measures to prevent Jadavpur University from becoming a hub for "anti-state activities."
This controversy comes amid an ongoing student agitation demanding long-pending students' union elections at the university. Tensions escalated on March 1 when West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu visited the campus for an event. Protesting students attempted to gherao him, leading to an altercation in which two students were allegedly injured by Basu’s convoy. However, Basu claimed that his car was vandalized, and he suffered injuries from the windshield being smashed.
Left-wing student groups argue that, in the absence of elected student unions, there is no formal channel to voice student concerns, leading to administrative corruption and stifling of dissent. The police investigation is ongoing.
