Jadavpur University forms probe panel after campus clash leaves 2 teachers, students injured

Jadavpur University expressed concern over a violent clash between two groups of students on Monday, January 23, 2026, which left two teachers and several students injured when they tried to intervene.

Vice Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya said an inquiry committee has been constituted to probe the incident and assured that strict disciplinary action will be taken against those found responsible.

The teachers were injured while trying to defuse tensions between SFI and WTI (We The Independent) members on campus on 20 February.

He also assured that measures will be taken to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

Condemning the incident, particularly the attack on faculty members, the VC described it as “completely unacceptable” and went against the institution’s long-standing values ​​of respect, dialogue and teacher-student relationship.

“Physical attack on teachers by students of the same university is highly condemnable, unacceptable and unimaginable,” Mr. Bhattacharya said, adding that such actions were not in line with the ethical and academic principles upheld by the university.

Calling for calm, the administration called on students to act with restraint, avoid provocations and participate in peaceful and democratic academic processes.

Reiterating the institution’s legacy as a space for intellectual freedom and constructive debate, he called on all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure a safe and conducive environment on campus.

In a related development, the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) held an emergency general body meeting to protest attacks on professors and “deterioration of academic atmosphere on the campus”. JUTA president Partha Pratim Biswas and general secretary Partha Pratim Roy expressed concern over the “deplorable” financial situation of Jadavpur University and acute shortage of teachers, non-teaching staff and civil servants.

“A small section of students, along with outsiders, are trying to denigrate the institute and disrupt campus life. A few days ago, even security personnel who were trying to prevent consumption of alcohol and marijuana on campus were locked up and harassed at night by some of these students,” Mr. Roy said.

According to JUTA, tensions escalated on Friday evening when clashes broke out between two groups of students near the Science and Arts buildings. About 12 to 15 teachers intervened and initially managed to break up the groups.

However, some students allegedly insulted teachers and tore down posters and banners of rival groups. JUTA claimed that teachers continued their efforts to restore peace despite intimidation.

The association claimed that 4-5 students and someone from outside came to the scene with the university ambulance and participated in the conflict.

He also claimed that one of them repeatedly punched Professor Rajyeshwar Sinha in the face, causing him to fall and break his glasses, while another professor, Lalit Mahakudh, was also attacked. Both of them were taken to hospital and discharged after treatment.

JUTA also alleged that a small group of students and outsiders “regularly consumed alcohol and drugs in various parts of the campus, including Subarna Jayanti premises, Open Air Theater (OAT), Analytical Chemistry building, green zone, lakeside areas and playgrounds during evening hours” and urged authorities to take preventive steps.