Kolkata University Probe Panel Convenes First Meeting on Campus Violence Incident
The committee established to investigate the campus violence that resulted in the physical assault of two professors held its inaugural meeting on Thursday. The panel, formed by the university, conducted proceedings at the Salt Lake campus, commencing around 11 am and lasting for over an hour.
Professors Depose Before Investigation Committee
Professors Rajyeswar Sinha and Lalit Lalitav Mohakud, who were injured during the violent altercation, appeared before the committee to provide their official statements. Both educators had previously submitted detailed letters to university authorities recounting their experiences.
Professor Sinha stated, "I appeared before the committee and narrated the entire incident and my experience. They also asked me some questions. The entire deposition was video-recorded. I took 15 minutes to tell my version."
Professor Mohakud confirmed his appearance before the panel, explaining, "I told the committee what I saw that day and how the events unfolded."
Background of the Violent Campus Incident
The disturbance originated on Friday with a confrontation between student groups near the science-arts intersection on campus. Several teachers intervened to mediate the situation and successfully calmed the initial parties involved.
However, the situation escalated when additional students, including some who had been previously debarred from the institution, forcibly entered the gathering. These individuals began hurling verbal abuse and physically assaulting people present, resulting in injuries to Professors Sinha and Mohakud during the ensuing chaos.
Committee Formation and New Campus Regulations
The university established the investigative panel on Monday with the following composition:
- Three external members
- The Pro-Vice Chancellor
- The Deputy Registrar
The committee requested that all depositions be submitted in sealed envelopes by February 27. Simultaneously, the institute implemented new security measures effective Monday, including:
- Prohibition of gatherings on campus after 8 pm
- Legal action against individuals violating this rule without valid justification
- Disciplinary measures against misconduct, intimidation, or disrespectful behavior toward security personnel
An official familiar with the proceedings noted that the committee's first meeting focused on gathering initial testimonies and establishing procedural guidelines for the ongoing investigation into the campus violence that has raised significant concerns about student safety and institutional security protocols.
