The Incident Unfolds at Jadavpur University

On the evening of Friday, February 20, 2026, tensions boiled over at Jadavpur University (JU) in Kolkata, West Bengal, resulting in a violent clash between two student factions. The confrontation occurred near the Science-Arts intersection during a cultural event called Medgala, organized by one of the groups. What began as a dispute over campaigning for the university's Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) elections—student representatives responsible for handling sexual harassment and gender-related complaints as per University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines—quickly escalated into physical altercations. Supporters from both sides gathered, turning the argument into a brawl that drew in faculty members attempting to intervene.

JU, a premier public state university established in 1955 and renowned for its engineering, science, and humanities programs, has long been a hotspot for vibrant student activism. However, this episode marked a disturbing turn, with professors directly targeted while trying to restore order. Eyewitness accounts describe chaotic scenes, with videos circulating on social media capturing the melee, though no official footage has been released by the university.

Timeline of the Clash: From Campaigning to Chaos

The sequence of events started innocently enough with first-year Chemistry students affiliated with the Students' Federation of India (SFI)—the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M)—campaigning for ICC positions. Members of the rival group, We The Independent (WTI), allegedly confronted them, summoning two SFI students to the event venue. Verbal exchanges soon turned physical as more supporters joined, leading to pushing, punching, and general disorder.

Two professors, Rajeshwar Sinha from the Bengali department and Lalit Madhav (also spelled Mahakud or Mohakud in reports), rushed to separate the students. Sinha was punched near the eye, had his spectacles smashed causing a cut on his nose, and required ongoing treatment. Madhav received first aid and was discharged. Six students sustained injuries of varying severity, with some needing hospital care. The SFI group escorted the professors to medical facilities. By late evening, no formal complaints had been filed, and campus security managed to disperse the crowd.

Key Players: SFI vs WTI in Jadavpur's Political Arena

SFI has historically dominated JU's student politics, rooted in the university's left-leaning legacy from its post-independence founding. It advocates for progressive causes like affordable education and opposes privatization. WTI, a newer 'independent' outfit, positions itself against mainstream political affiliations, often clashing with SFI over campus issues. While not explicitly tied to any major party, such groups emerge amid frustrations with traditional unions.

Student factionalism at JU mirrors broader trends in Indian higher education, where groups like SFI, Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP, linked to ruling Trinamool Congress), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP, BJP's wing), and radical left outfits like Democratic Students' Front (DSF) or Revolutionary Students' Front (RSF) compete fiercely. Elections for bodies like ICC become flashpoints, symbolizing control over campus grievance mechanisms.

• SFI: Established dominance, focuses on workers' rights, anti-fee hikes.
• WTI: Independent voice, challenges SFI's hegemony.
• Other players: TMCP gaining ground post-2011 TMC rule, ABVP rising nationally.

Injuries and Medical Aftermath

The human cost was stark: Professor Rajeshwar Sinha suffered the most severe injuries, including facial trauma requiring observation. Lalit Madhav recovered quickly post-first aid. Among students, six were hurt, though specifics on their conditions remain undisclosed by university authorities. No life-threatening injuries were reported, but the assault on faculty—unprecedented at JU—shocked the community.

This incident underscores vulnerabilities in campus interventions, where well-meaning faculty risk personal harm. Hospitals near JU, like those in Dhakuria, handled initial care, highlighting the need for on-campus medical readiness.

University Leadership Responds

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chiranjib Bhattacharjee condemned the violence as 'shameful' and 'unprecedented,' vowing to investigate and take action against perpetrators. 'It is shameful. I am looking into what action can be taken against the students who attacked the professors,' he stated. Registrar Balai Chandra Das confirmed the factions involved but noted no police involvement was sought, as per protocol—police require university invitation to enter.

The administration faces pressure to enforce stricter conduct codes, potentially suspending involved students or reforming election processes. For those exploring faculty roles amid such unrest, resources like higher education faculty jobs in India emphasize safer institutional environments.

Photo by Jacob Antony on Unsplash

Deep Roots: Student Politics at Jadavpur University

JU's activist tradition dates to the 1950s, evolving into a battleground for ideological wars. SFI held sway for decades, but post-2011 TMC governance, TMCP challenged it, leading to clashes. Radical groups like RSF gained notoriety in 2025 for Maoist tributes, prompting security concerns. ABVP entered amid national polarization.

Statistics reveal the scale: A 2023 UGC report noted 150+ campus violence incidents across India, with West Bengal universities prominent. JU alone saw protests over ragging (2023 death), funding shortages, and minister visits (2025). Faction fights disrupt classes, deter investments, and harm rankings—JU slipped in NIRF 2025 partly due to governance issues.

Cultural events like Medgala often mask political rallies, blurring lines between expression and aggression.

A Troubled History of Clashes

Past incidents paint a pattern:

• 2023: Postgraduate student's ragging death sparked national outrage, leading to arrests.
• Mar 2025: SFI-AIDSO vs TMCP over minister's visit; students injured by car.
• Nov 2025: RSF's Maoist naming controversy fueled ABVP-TMCP protests.
• Aug 2023: TMCP-SFI scuffle during union submissions.

These reflect deeper issues: politicized unions prioritizing ideology over studies, inadequate security (no armed guards), and delayed elections fostering rivalries. UGC mandates anti-ragging cells, but enforcement lags.

Impacts on Academics and Campus Life

The clash disrupted evening classes and events, eroding trust. Professors hesitate to intervene, students fear escalation, and parents question safety—enrollment dips noted in 2025. Research output suffers; JU's NIRF score fell amid unrest.

Broader higher ed: 40% Indian colleges report faction violence (AISHE 2024), correlating with 15% dropout rise. Mental health toll: 25% students report anxiety from politics (NFHS-5).

Stakeholder Perspectives and Calls for Reform

SFI denies aggression, claims WTI provoked; WTI accuses SFI of monopolizing. Faculty demand expulsion powers, CCTV expansion. Alumni via Rate My Professor urge depoliticization.

Experts: Prof. Sanjay Gupta (DU) notes factionalism stems from no central union oversight. Solutions:

• UGC-mandated neutral election observers.
• Counseling integration in curricula.
• Police rapid response protocols.
• Student leader training via academic career advice.

Violence in Indian Higher Education: A National Concern

JU isn't isolated: DU protests (2025 UGC equity), JNU clashes (ABVP-Left), IITs (fee hikes). NCRB 2024: 500+ campus assaults, 20% political. Women face heightened risks in ICC disputes.

Positive shifts: NEP 2020 promotes autonomy, mental health cells. Yet, implementation gaps persist. For jobs, explore India university jobs.

Photo by Rockstar Shashivarun on Unsplash

Path Forward: Ensuring Safer Campuses

Reforms needed: Digital campaigning, faculty training, AI surveillance. JU's interim: Awareness drives, dialogue forums. Long-term: Shift to merit-based reps, counseling mandates.

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