Tension gripped Presidency University in Kolkata’s College Street area on Friday afternoon after members of the ABVP and SFI allegedly engaged in a heated exchange, triggering concern among students inside the campus.
Students remain stranded amid rising campus tension
The situation reportedly escalated after ABVP members gathered outside the university premises while SFI members were putting up posters in support of students protesting the previous day’s unrest at Jadavpur University. Several students were reportedly stranded inside the campus as the situation turned tense, prompting the university authorities to take additional security measures.
SFI alleges outsiders arrived to create trouble
The SFI alleged that the ABVP does not have an organisational presence inside Presidency University and claimed that members had arrived from outside to create trouble. The ABVP, meanwhile, alleged that activities it described as “anti-national” take place at Presidency University as well and claimed that such activities must be stopped.
Presidency University has traditionally witnessed political activity involving student organisations, including the Independent Consolidation (IC) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
SFI leader alleges threats from ABVP members
According to SFI leader Bitaan Islam, around 30 ABVP members from north Kolkata gathered near the university, allegedly accompanied by outsiders. He claimed that students were subjected to threats and provocative remarks.
SFI questions alleged intimidation by outside groups
The confrontation reportedly began when SFI members were writing posters near the university’s portico and putting them up on campus walls. The ABVP members allegedly objected to the activity and made remarks targeting the students. SFI members subsequently gathered near the main gate and raised slogans, further escalating the situation.
ABVP can form an organisation on campus democratically if it wants to. We have no objection to that. But why should there be intimidation and hooliganism from outside? Such incidents are taking place selectively at universities where there is an atmosphere of freedom of thought,
Islam alleged.
Police register case following VC complaint
The developments at Presidency University came a day after clashes and protests involving ABVP and Left-affiliated groups at Jadavpur University.
According to Kolkata Police, a specific case has been registered at Jadavpur Police Station based on a written complaint submitted by the university’s Vice-Chancellor.
University property allegedly damaged during unrest
Police said the complaint alleged that after 12.37 am on August 20, a group of unidentified outsiders forcibly entered the Jadavpur University campus and allegedly indulged in arson, vandalism, and intimidation. Burning materials were allegedly thrown into Aurobindo Bhavan, where students and security personnel had taken shelter, allegedly putting their lives at risk.
University property, including CCTV cameras, gates and other installations, was also allegedly damaged. Police said an attempt was also made to forcibly open the Main Hostel gate. Further vandalism, including damage to the university emblem and adjoining installations, was reported at around 2 pm on August 20.
Two more cases registered over Jadavpur protests
In the first case, police said around 200–250 ABVP supporters, including women, gathered at the crossing of Prince Anwar Shah Road and Raja S C Mallick Road near Jadavpur Police Station at around 2 pm. According to police, the protesters obstructed vehicular and pedestrian movement and allegedly damaged police barricades before moving towards Gate No. 4 of Jadavpur University.
Police said some members of the group allegedly pushed, abused and misbehaved with police personnel when officers intervened. The case was registered as Jadavpur Police Station Case No. 160 dated August 20 under Sections 189, 190, 191, 132, 223 and 324 of the BNS.
Police allege protesters damaged barricades and misbehaved
In another case, police said around 200–250 people affiliated with various Left organisations, including SFI, CITU, CPM and CPI(M), gathered near the Raja S C Mallick Road-Central Road crossing close to the 8B bus stand at around 1 pm without the required permission.
Case registered against Left affiliated protesters
According to police, the group obstructed traffic and pedestrian movement and allegedly damaged or removed barricades when prevented from proceeding towards Jadavpur University. Police further alleged that some protesters pushed, abused, and misbehaved with officers, with the uniforms of some police personnel allegedly being torn while they were performing their duties.
The case was registered as Jadavpur Police Station under Sections 189, 190, 191, 132, 223 and 324 of the BNS.
