A team from the West Bengal Minority Commission has recommended that the head of the English department at Jadavpur University, Professor Saswati Halder, should not visit the campus while an investigation into a recent hijab-related incident is ongoing. The seven-member panel expressed concern that her presence could influence the probe.
Commission's Stance and University Meeting
The state minority commission held a meeting with university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, Pro-VC Amitava Datta, and Registrar Selim Box Mandal, on Tuesday. The commission members reportedly asked the university to detail the steps taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
Commission chairperson Ahmed Hasan Imran stated that they view the incident as a case of religious profiling. He emphasized that JU should take strong measures to promote a message of religious coexistence on campus. "We feel the professor should be asked not to visit the university for the sake of a fair probe. The students also demanded it. The victims are traumatised," Imran said.
Professor Halder's Defense and Allegations
Professor Saswati Halder, however, has expressed deep disappointment with the commission's suggestion, revealing that she was not given a chance to present her side of the story before the recommendation was made. She firmly stated she is not sorry for performing her duties as the Head of Department and as a presiding officer during an examination.
"It is sad I was not called and my version was not heard before making the suggestion by the commission. It indirectly hints I am guilty. Every teacher would now think twice before invigilation duties," Halder remarked.
She had previously submitted a detailed report to the VC and Pro-VC on Monday, providing a chronological account of the events. In her defense, she stated that the checking of the student was done with consent in a separate room and witnesses were present. Halder claimed she apologized both before and after the act and is willing to apologize repeatedly. She also described feeling unsafe after being harassed at the convocation stage, alleging a male student chased her backstage with a poster featuring a crude caricature.
Official Reactions and Broader Implications
West Bengal's Education Minister, Bratya Basu, assured that strict action would be taken, affirming that such incidents are not tolerated in the state and that everyone has the right to practice their fundamental rights.
Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee noted that the commission appreciated the university's formation of an internal panel to investigate the matter. "They have a few suggestions, which we will discuss. We told them it was a stray incident and we would take measures to ensure it's not repeated," the VC said.
Adding a broader perspective, Satnam Singh Ahluwalia of the West Bengal Minority Commission highlighted the need for balance, noting that "security steps can't overshadow students' dignity and faith." He urged educational institutes to handle matters of identity with utmost sensitivity.
The controversy has sparked a significant debate on campus security, religious sensitivity, and procedural fairness in institutional investigations.
