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Kolkata, August 20, 2026: Tension gripped Jadavpur University after a late-night clash between members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on the campus. Several students were injured in the confrontation, with reports indicating that five students were taken to hospital for treatment.
The violence reportedly began around a General Body meeting linked to the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union (FETSU). A disagreement over the meeting escalated into a physical confrontation between rival student groups. The situation subsequently intensified, with allegations of stone-pelting, vandalism, arson attempts and attacks being levelled by both sides.
What triggered the clash?
According to reports, ABVP questioned the legitimacy of the student meeting and objected to the manner in which it was being conducted. The dispute reportedly turned into a scuffle before developing into a larger confrontation involving students from Left-leaning groups and ABVP.
Both sides have presented different accounts of how the violence began. ABVP has alleged that its supporters were attacked by members of Left-leaning student organisations. Left groups, meanwhile, have accused ABVP supporters of bringing outsiders onto the campus and attempting to create unrest. These allegations have not been independently established.
Students taken to hospital
Several students sustained injuries during the overnight violence. Reports from the campus indicate that injured students from both sides were taken to the nearby KPC Medical College Hospital for treatment. The reported hospitalisation of five students has added to concerns over the seriousness of the confrontation.
Police enter campus
As tensions escalated, university authorities sought police assistance. Police personnel entered the campus and attempted to bring the situation under control. The university remained tense on Thursday, with rival groups organising demonstrations and protests following the overnight confrontation.
The confrontation also led to disruption around the university, while police and Rapid Action Force personnel were deployed as tensions continued.
Allegations of outsiders
The presence of alleged outsiders has emerged as one of the key points of dispute. Both camps have accused the other of involving people from outside the university. University officials and reports have highlighted the issue as a major concern because the entry of outsiders can rapidly escalate student-political confrontations on campus.
Political reactions
The incident has also triggered political reactions outside the university. Leaders and representatives associated with different political camps have traded accusations over the violence, with each side blaming the other for escalating tensions.
The latest confrontation has once again brought Jadavpur University’s long history of student politics and campus activism into focus. The university has historically been a major centre of student mobilisation in West Bengal, with Left-leaning organisations maintaining a strong presence while ABVP has also sought to expand its influence on campus.
Investigation underway
The exact sequence of events leading to the clash remains disputed, and competing allegations from the two sides are still being examined. Police and university authorities are expected to assess available evidence, including complaints and video footage, to determine responsibility for specific incidents.
For now, the focus remains on restoring normalcy on the Jadavpur University campus and ensuring the safety of students and staff.
The clash has once again raised serious questions about political violence, student safety and the role of outsiders in university affairs.
