Kolkata: Fresh SFI-ABVP clashes erupt outside Jadavpur University, varsity emblem damaged (lead)

Kolkata, Aug 20 (AHN): Fresh clashes broke out between activists of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) outside the iconic Jadavpur University (JU) campus in South Kolkata on Thursday, a day after a similar confrontation left several students injured.

The latest violence followed separate protest rallies organised by the two student groups to condemn the clashes that took place on the JU campus in the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday. The SFI rally began from the 8B Bus Stand crossing in Jadavpur, while ABVP supporters started their march from Golpark Crossing.

A large joint contingent of the Kolkata Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) stopped the SFI rally near its starting point by putting up barricades and guardrails. The ABVP rally was allowed to proceed towards Jadavpur Police Station, where another joint police and CAPF contingent stopped the protesters using similar barricades.

Tension escalated after a section of ABVP activists broke through the barricades and began moving towards the main gate of the university. After receiving information about the development, SFI activists who were stopped at the 8B Bus Stand crossing also attempted to breach the barricades. Some of them managed to cross the police cordon.

Two separate clashes subsequently broke out. The first confrontation took place at the 8B Bus Stand crossing between SFI activists and security personnel. The second occurred in front of the main gate of JU between SFI and ABVP activists.

During the second clash, the engraved emblem of Jadavpur University, designed by renowned painter Nandalal Bose, was reportedly damaged.

Meanwhile, the Jadavpur Police registered an FIR against 11 people under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with Wednesday night’s clash inside the university campus. Police said all 11 accused are associated with the SFI or other Left-wing student organisations.

The SFI has accused the ABVP of bringing outsiders onto the university campus and attacking students.

SFI general secretary Srijan Bhattacharya challenged the ABVP to seek control of the students’ body through democratic elections instead of resorting to violence.

-- AHN

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