A second-year undergraduate student from the Department of Comparative Literature at Kolkata’s Jadavpur University has filed a written complaint alleging ragging, mental harassment and bullying on campus by senior and former students, who he claims are affiliated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI).
The student, Sayak Mitra, submitted his complaint to the Office of the Dean of Students on February 18, claiming that he had been subjected to sustained harassment that has severely affected his mental health. In the complaint, the second-year student stated that the situation escalated on February 13, when he and a few friends and juniors were playing cards near the Office of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts in the UG Arts building during the evening.
According to Sayak Mitra’s complaint, a group of seniors and batchmates, including Eshana Sen and Sayak Mitra of the post graduate section of the Comparative Literature Department, and Kinjala Biswas, Sayam Bera and Nirbhik Saha who are his classmates, allegedly gathered at the spot and verbally attacked him and his friends. He claimed that personal remarks were directed at them, slogans were shouted loudly and clapping was used to intimidate them, creating what he described as an uncomfortable and threatening atmosphere. Although he remained silent during the episode, he said he felt “deeply distressed”.
The second-year student of the Comparative Literature Department further claimed that similar incidents had occurred earlier and that he had received threats in the past. Mitra alleged that the repeated harassment triggered panic attacks, forced him to miss classes for over a month and led him to seek psychological counselling.
He further alleged that an alumnus of the university, Subhodip Bandhopadhyay, had threatened to “ruin” his future and career by allegedly influencing and manipulating the Head of the Department. Bandhopadhyay, a former student of the Bengali Department at Jadavpur University, completed his post-graduation in 2021. During his time on campus, he was actively involved in student politics and was associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). Several students claimed that he continues to wield influence in campus affairs and reportedly retains a say in the functioning of SFI at the university. He is currently a member of the SFI West Bengal State Committee.
Responding to the allegations, Pranoy Karjee, State President of SFI West Bengal, said, “No formal complaints have come to us as yet, but I can assure you that if such a complaint concerning the conduct of our organisation comes to the fore, we will take requisite action against the concerned individual.” Debanjan De, Secretary of the SFI West Bengal State Committee, added, “The state committee hasn’t received any formal complaint pertaining to this incident of ragging, but we will definitely look into it, investigate and take disciplinary action.”
Meanwhile, Mitra stated that despite submitting his formal complaint to the university authorities on February 18, the Anti-Ragging Squad has not yet contacted him to initiate the inquiry.
Another second-year undergraduate student from the Department of Comparative Literature, who said they were present during the February 13 incident, corroborated the claim that they were harassed by seniors. She narrated the tale of their ordeal to News The Truth, under the condition of anonymity. According to this student, the seniors accused them of being “part of the BJP” and alleged that they attended SFI rallies merely to create an appearance. The student further claimed they were threatened with mob violence if they entered the Comparative Literature department’s common area.
A first-year undergraduate student also under the condition of anonymity, alleged that after the confrontation, the seniors switched off the lights in the room where the students were seated and walked away. The student described the act as “deeply humiliating”.
One of the students of the post-graduation course, named in the complaint, Sayak Mitra, denied any involvement in the alleged incident. However, he said he did not wish to share his version of events that transpired on the date stated in the letter. Another senior mentioned in the complaint, Eshana Sen, declined to comment on the matter.
University authorities have confirmed receipt of the complaint. The matter has been forwarded to the Anti-Ragging Squad for investigation. Dean of Students Anupam Deb Sarkar said, “We have received the complaint. It has been forwarded to the Anti-Ragging Squad, which has started an investigation. A report will be submitted to the Anti-Ragging Committee and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.”
