Tension flared in Kolkata’s Sealdah area late Wednesday night after students from Calcutta University were allegedly assaulted by a group of Hindi-speaking shopkeepers, who reportedly hurled abuses and labelled them “Bangladeshis” for speaking in Bengali.
The incident reportedly unfolded when a student from the University’s Carmichael Hostel visited a shop under Sealdah Bridge to buy mobile accessories, leading to an argument during which the shopkeeper allegedly insulted the student over his language, calling him a “Bangladeshi”, sparking a larger confrontation that later turned violent.
Soon after, the student returned to the location accompanied by several classmates to confront the shopkeeper. This reportedly escalated into a violent confrontation as a group of traders, allegedly armed with sticks, knives, and other sharp weapons, attacked the students.
According to reports, at least four students sustained injuries and were immediately taken to Calcutta Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Reports later indicated that over ten students may have been injured during the assault.
Following the incident, the injured students and their peers staged a sit-in protest at Muchipara police station from late night until dawn, demanding swift police action and the arrest of all those involved.
A police source, quoted by India Today, confirmed the filing of a formal complaint, “A letter of complaint from a group of Calcutta University students was registered at midnight at Muchipara police station. Statements of the injured and eyewitnesses were recorded immediately. An investigation has been launched.”
Police have arrested two people in connection with the case, namely, Dipak Kr Shaw (29), a resident of Narkeldanga, and Imtiaz Ali (35). Both reportedly work at the mobile accessories shop where the altercation is said to have begun.
The incident has sparked outrage on campus and beyond, particularly over the ethnic and linguistic undertones of the assault. The students allege that they were targeted simply for speaking Bengali in their own state.
“The marketplace has been known as a hub of outsiders for a long time. They often abuse Bengali buyers. These students were branded as Bangladeshis and then attacked with sticks, sharp arms, and bamboos,” said Garga Chattopadhyay, general secretary of Bangla Pokkho, who visited the area and met with the students.
He added, “These students now want the CCTV footage of the area to be verified. Strict action must be taken. This kind of racial profiling is unacceptable.”
