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Kolkata|12th January 2026:
A Second Year Political Science Student of Presidency College has alleged that he was subjected to severe ideological ragging, intimidation and explicit death threats by a group of fellow students, triggering serious concerns over campus safety and political intolerance at one of Kolkata’s premier educational institutions.
According to the student, the incident took place on the evening of 16th December 2025, when he was allegedly confronted by a group of nearly 30 students inside the university premises. The student claims the confrontation was premeditated and driven by ideological differences, particularly his perceived support for what he describes as “pro-nationalist activities” associated with students of Jadavpur University.
The student alleged that he had assisted friends at Jadavpur University in removing graffiti glorifying slain Maoist leaders and replacing it with the slogan “Vande Mataram.” He claims this act led to his identification and subsequent targeting by left-leaning student groups at Presidency University.
“They gheraoed me, questioned my beliefs, mocked my religious faith, and tried to isolate me,” the student alleged. “This time, it was not limited to verbal abuse. I was physically intimidated and threatened.”
Of particular concern is the nature of the threats allegedly issued during the confrontation. The student claims that the group invoked a chilling historical reference, warning him against any further association with nationalist groups.
“They told me that if I ever went to help my nationalist friends at Jadavpur University again, I would meet the same fate as Gopal Sen,” the student said, referring to the former Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University who was murdered on campus in the 1970s.
Following the incident, the student attempted to lodge a First Information Report (FIR) at the Jorasanko Police Station but alleged that the police refused to register his complaint and at such he had to email his complaint. He subsequently escalated the matter by sending a detailed email to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central Division, seeking intervention.
Simultaneously, the student submitted formal complaints to several university authorities, including the Anti-Ragging Cell, the Equal Opportunity Cell, and the Dean’s Office, requesting protection and disciplinary action against those involved.
However, the student claims that the situation deteriorated further after the accused group allegedly launched a counter-campaign against him.
“After they learned that I had approached the police, they filed a false complaint against me with the Dean,” he alleged. “They also collected signatures from around 65 students—many of whom were part of the same group—demanding that I be barred from entering the campus.”
The prolonged intimidation has reportedly taken a serious toll on the student’s mental health. He is currently undergoing psychiatric treatment and is on medication.
“I am living in constant fear and anxiety. I am having suicidal thoughts. I feel my life and academic career are under serious threat,” the student said to News United India
Due to his deteriorating condition, he was unable to appear before the University’s Anti-Ragging Committee on the initially scheduled date. The committee has since not issued a fresh summons, but the student maintains that he does not feel safe returning to campus.
“I am still distressed. I don’t feel safe inside the Presidency University campus anymore,” he said.
The student is being represented by Advocate, Shayan Sachin Basu who confirmed that legal options are being actively pursued.
“If the police continue to fail in discharging their statutory duty, we will be compelled to approach the Learned Court to secure justice and protection for the student,” Basu said.
As of now, Presidency University has not released any formal public statement addressing the specific allegations. University sources, however, indicated that an internal inquiry into the matter is currently underway.
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on issues of ideological intolerance, campus safety, and the effectiveness of anti-ragging mechanisms in higher educational institutions across West Bengal.
4 Comments
OMG. Very sad news.
Want legal action
Such sorry state of affairs in West Bengal.