Kolkata: Following a directive from the Calcutta High Court, Kolkata Police lodged an FIR against West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu and Jadavpur University professor Omprakash Mishra over the violence that took place at Jadavpur University on March 1.
The case was registered after a student named Indranuj Roy claimed he was severely injured by Basu's car, which reportedly ran over him during the protest. According to police officials, both Basu and Mishra have been booked under charges of attempt to murder, assault, molestation, and issuing threats. The FIR was lodged at the Jadavpur police station.
As per reports, Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, on Wednesday, March 5, questioned why the FIR wasn't registered and criticised the poor handling of the matter by the intelligence branch. The court directed the police to lodge Roy's complaint as an FIR.
What Led to the Clash?
On March 1, members of the Students' Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest at Jadavpur University, demanding immediate student union elections. Basu was present on the campus for the annual meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors Association (WBCUPA).
During his speech at the university, protesting students continuously raised slogans and displayed satirical posters.
The clash erupted when CPI(M) student wing members gheraoed Basu, who used a back entrance to enter the campus, bypassing the protest at the main gate.
As Basu was leaving, the students blocked his car, demanding a conversation. However, the vehicle sped up, and one student reportedly fell in front of the wheels.
"Minister Bratya Basu's car flees Jadavpur University after hitting a student, who's now fighting for his life. Shame on Trinamool Congress!" pic.twitter.com/waTyFBRssJ
— Dibyendu Das (@dibyendux) March 1, 2025
What Did the Students Allege?
As per reports, Roy, a first-year English student, suffered serious injuries and was hospitalised. Another student, Abhinav Basu, was also hurt during the clash. While some students were accused of attacking the minister’s car, the student groups alleged that Basu tried to run them over.
On the night of the incident, Roy filed a complaint via email, but the police allegedly refused to register a case. The students then approached the Calcutta HC. Advocate Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, representing the students, claimed police only accepted complaints against the students while ignoring the ones filed by them.