Bengal Student Death: Removal Of BJP Youth Wing's Protest Stage By Police Triggers Clash

New Delhi: Members of the BJP’s youth wing, Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM), on Friday, held a demonstration over the alleged removal of a stage that had been erected for a protest against the student death at Jadavpur University, news agency ANI reported. The agency shared a video clip showing the agitated youth activists raising slogans against the police and engaging in a scuffle after facing resistance outside the varsity campus.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) holds protest against the removal of protest stage which was against Jadavpur University student death. The protest was stopped by police. pic.twitter.com/Lk02OonQ49

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2023

Meanwhile, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury alleged that the police were dragging their feet in the matter. Terming the student death as “unfortunate”, he said the state administration should do everything in its power to ensure that such incidents don’t recur.

Calling for a thorough investigation into the incident, Chowdhury, as quoted by ANI, said, “This is very unfortunate. A thorough investigation should happen in the case. Stringent action should be taken so that such incidents don't recur. The police are very slow, I think they must swing into action. It is regrettable that it took such an incident for the administration to wake up to the need for more security on the campus.”

#WATCH | Murshidabad, West Bengal: On the Jadavpur University student death case, Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury says, "This is very unfortunate...A thorough investigation should happen in the case...Stringent steps should be taken so that such incidents don't… pic.twitter.com/VIaj3n5Qxa

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2023

Chowdhury’s remarks come in the wake of the death of 19-year-old Bengali Honours student, Swapnadip Kundu, after reportedly falling from the second-floor of the varsity’s main hostel, sparking allegations of ragging in the campus.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) on Thursday sought an explanation from the university over the absence of CCTV cameras in the hostel premises.

NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo also wrote to Manoj Malviya, DG of West Bengal Police, urging him to take necessary action into the incident. He also asked police to submit an action taken report to the commission with seven days.