Kolkata: Jadavpur University has constituted a four-member inquiry committee to investigate a serious incident of alleged moral policing, harassment and physical assault involving fourth-year engineering students and women students on campus. The accused students have been barred from entering the university pending the completion of the investigation.
According to senior university officials, several girl students submitted a written complaint to Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, alleging they were assaulted first on the playground and later in the corridor of Aurobindo Bhavan.
What Happened on Tuesday Evening
As per university sources and a viral video circulating on social media, the incident took place on Tuesday evening when four engineering students were sitting on the playground. They allegedly spotted a group of students holding hands and displaying what they termed “objectionable behaviour”. The engineering students reportedly passed lewd comments, questioned the students’ conduct, and confronted them.
A heated argument ensued between the two groups, prompting university security guards to intervene. The guards eventually escorted the four engineering students out of the campus to prevent further escalation.
Allegations of Physical Assault
The complainants have claimed that during the confrontation, a scuffle broke out in which student leader Indranuj Roy—who earlier this year was nearly run over by Education Minister Bratya Basu’s car—was allegedly assaulted. Roy reportedly suffered injuries and had to be admitted to MR Bangur Hospital.
The girls also alleged that some of the accused students used abusive language, made derogatory remarks about women from the arts department, and threatened them for “crossing limits”. One complainant stated that the accused remarked that students should not “hold hands or kiss openly” inside the campus and labelled the girls as having “loose morals”.
Accused Students Barred from Campus
A senior university official confirmed that the accused fourth-year engineering students have been formally restricted from entering the campus:
“As per the Registrar’s direction, the four students have been debarred from entering the campus pending investigation and until the inquiry process is complete.”
Several students alleged that the four individuals involved are habitual offenders known for making derogatory comments and staying late inside the campus despite warnings from security personnel.
Security guards also reported that this group frequently ignores instructions and “does not pay heed when asked to leave the premises late at night”.
Four-Member Committee Formed
The university has constituted a four-member probe committee comprising professors and the Dean of Students. The committee will:
- analyse CCTV footage and available video clips,
- question students who were present during the incident,
- take statements from security guards,
- prepare a detailed report for the administration.
A senior JU official stated:
“A four-member probe team has been formed. They will examine all available video evidence and speak to those who witnessed the incident.”
Safety Concerns Raised
In their complaint, the women students wrote that they do not feel safe on campus with the accused individuals present, adding pressure on the university administration to take immediate and strong action.
The investigation is currently underway, and action will be taken based on the findings of the inquiry report.
