Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya fell near the university’s CR1 gate on Monday night after a meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing campus tensions.
The incident took place around 9:15 pm, shortly after a meeting at Aurobindo Bhavan concluded. The meeting was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, some teachers, Left-backed student organisations and members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
VC fell while attempting to move through group of students
According to reports, Bhattacharya was leaving the meeting venue when he fell near the CR1 gate. At the time, a group of Left-backed student organisation members was reportedly demonstrating near the gate after their demands were not fully accepted.
The Vice-Chancellor reportedly fell while attempting to move through the group of students. Security personnel were present at the spot and later escorted him to his vehicle.
However, Left-backed student organisation RSF member Indranuz Roy denied any physical assault on the Vice-Chancellor.
There was no pushing or physical contact with the Vice-Chancellor. Security personnel were also present in front of him. The Vice-Chancellor is staging a drama.
Bhattacharya has not yet issued any public statement regarding the incident.
Four demands raised by Left student groups
Earlier on Monday, a meeting was held to bring the situation at Jadavpur University under control. Representatives of the university administration, teachers, Left-backed student organisations and ABVP attended the meeting.
ABVP members later walked out of the meeting, while Left-backed student groups maintained their four-point demands.
Students demanded removal of Student Grievance Redressal Cell’s Chairman
The students demanded the removal of Buddhadeb Sau as chairman of the Student Grievance Redressal Cell. They also demanded that he be barred from conducting classes while the investigation is underway.
The students further sought the reconstitution of the inquiry committee with student representation. They also demanded the suspension of teachers and students seen on CCTV footage in connection with the incident late on Wednesday night.
Inquiry panel reconstituted after meeting
Following the meeting, the university decided to appoint former Calcutta High Court judge Pranab Kumar Chattopadhyay as the new chairman of the inquiry committee.
The Student Grievance Redressal Cell has also been dissolved, according to reports. Meanwhile, a section of Left-backed students continues to stage a sit-in on the university campus. They are reportedly discussing their next course of action following the latest decisions.
