Jadavpur University Reconstitutes Inquiry Panel
Jadavpur University (JU) has once again reshuffled the committee investigating the alleged vandalism and violence on its campus, reducing the previously announced five-member panel to three members. The changes came after objections were raised by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), an RSS-affiliated teachers’ organisation.
The revised committee will now be headed by retired Calcutta High Court judge Justice Pranab Kumar Chattopadhyay, replacing former Netaji Subhas Open University vice-chancellor Subha Shankar Sarkar.
Retired High Court Judge to Lead Probe
Under the new arrangement, Justice Chattopadhyay will serve as chairman, while Presidency University professor Soumendu Chatterjee will be a member. JU micro-analyst Sukanta Jana has been appointed as the presenting officer.
JU employee Pranab Kumar Halder has been appointed secretary to the commission.
The restructuring followed the withdrawal of Sarkar and the removal of JU deputy registrar Abul Hasnath, who had earlier been appointed as one of the presenting officers.
Why Was the Earlier Panel Changed?
The ABRSM had objected to the appointment of both Sarkar and Hasnath. The teachers’ organisation had sought a retired Calcutta High Court judge to head the inquiry, arguing that this would help ensure an impartial investigation.
The organisation had raised questions about Sarkar’s previous tenure as chairman of the West Bengal School Service Commission and also questioned Hasnath’s appointment as deputy registrar.
The objections became a key factor in the controversy surrounding the composition of the original inquiry panel.
Five-Member Panel Reduced to Three
JU had initially announced a five-member arrangement last week, with Sarkar as chairman. Arunasish Goswami and Soumendu Chatterjee were appointed as members, while Sukanta Jana and Abul Hasnath were designated as presenting officers.
However, when the commission met on Thursday, Justice Chattopadhyay was already serving as chairman. Hasnath had been removed, while Goswami subsequently withdrew from the commission, citing commitments at his own university.
The revised structure therefore leaves the inquiry commission with three principal members.
JU Administration Denies RSS Pressure
Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee has denied that the changes were made because of pressure from the ABRSM.
According to the vice-chancellor, Sarkar had indicated that he would not be available for the assignment. Bhattacharjee also said the newly appointed chairperson wanted only one presenting officer instead of two and sought the appointment of a secretary to the commission.
The ABRSM, however, has maintained that it had specifically requested changes because of its objections to the earlier chairperson and one of the presenting officers.
Inquiry Linked to August 20 Campus Violence
The committee has been tasked with examining the events surrounding the alleged vandalism on the JU campus on August 20.
ABVP supporters entered the university campus twice that day after the organisation alleged that its unit president Nikhil Das had been assaulted by supporters of Left-backed student groups. The incidents were followed by allegations of vandalism and threats on campus.
The episode has since triggered competing allegations from student and teachers’ groups and intensified political debate around campus activities at JU.
Concerns Raised Over Independence of Probe
The latest reshuffle has also raised questions within the university community over the independence of the inquiry.
One JU professor cited by The Telegraph questioned whether the reconstituted commission would be able to conduct its investigation independently, arguing that the changes appeared to have addressed several of the objections raised by the RSS-affiliated teachers’ organisation.
The university, meanwhile, has maintained that the changes were made for administrative and logistical reasons.
Probe Panel Faces Test of Credibility
The reconstituted committee will now be responsible for examining the allegations surrounding the August 20 campus incidents.
With the composition of the panel itself having become part of the controversy, its ability to conduct a transparent and credible inquiry will remain under scrutiny.
The latest developments have added another layer to the ongoing dispute at Jadavpur University, where questions over campus security, political influence and student group clashes continue to dominate discussions.