Jadavpur University Student Arrested Over March 1 Campus Vandalism

A Jadavpur University student was arrested over the March 1 campus vandalism, marking the second arrest in the case. The unrest erupted after student protests demanding union elections turned violent. Student organizations condemned the arrests, calling for strikes, while authorities promised discussions on withdrawing cases against protestors.

Kolkata police arrested a Jadavpur University (JU) student on Wednesday in connection with the March 1 violence and vandalism on campus, bringing the total arrests in the case to two. The student, Soumyadip Mahata, a philosophy major, was called to the Jadavpur police station for questioning before being taken into custody.

The unrest erupted during the West Bengal College and University Professors' Union AGM, attended by Education Minister Bratya Basu. A group of students, demanding immediate student union elections, formed a human chain around Basu’s car, attempting to block his departure. As tensions escalated, the minister’s convoy pushed through, injuring two students. Protests intensified, leading to arson at the education wing office of the TMC-affiliated non-teaching staff. Hoardings and banners on campus were also damaged.

Student organizations, including the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), have condemned Mahata’s arrest. Although SFI leaders confirmed he is a left-leaning student activist, they clarified that he is not officially affiliated with the federation. In response, student groups have called for a general body meeting to discuss their next course of action and announced a strike on Monday, demanding the education minister’s resignation.

On March 2, a former JU student was also arrested from his residence in South Kolkata. Authorities alleged his involvement in the protests and acts of vandalism, citing his presence at the scene. The ex-student, originally from Birbhum, currently works at an IT firm in Salt Lake.

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Amid student outrage, university authorities have assured ongoing discussions regarding the withdrawal of cases against protestors. However, with arrests continuing, tensions on campus remain high.