Sat Mar 01 15:13:16 UTC 2025: ## West Bengal Minister’s Car Attacked at Jadavpur University Amid Student Protests

**KOLKATA, March 1, 2025** – West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu’s vehicle was attacked by students at Jadavpur University on Saturday, triggering widespread protests and allegations of violence from both sides. The incident occurred during a meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors’ Association (WBCUPA), a body affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

Students, primarily members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), protested the Minister’s refusal to meet with them regarding delayed student union elections, which have been stalled for five years. The protest escalated into violence, with students throwing shoes, breaking the car’s windshield, and puncturing a tire. The TMC’s office within the university was also vandalized. Videos circulated online appear to show the Minister’s car driving over some protesters.

Minister Basu alleged the attack was orchestrated by the SFI, while SFI members countered that the Minister’s car had driven over them. The Minister, who was taken to a hospital for a medical examination, described the actions as undemocratic. Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh echoed this sentiment, stating that while Basu showed restraint, it shouldn’t be mistaken for weakness.

WBCUPA members filed a complaint with the Jadavpur Police Station. The SFI is planning a university-wide strike on Monday to condemn the violence and alleged attacks on professors by TMC supporters. A Jadavpur University professor reported being heckled and having his car attacked after the Minister’s departure. One student reportedly suffered a head injury during the protests.

This is not the first time a minister’s car has been attacked at Jadavpur University. In 2019, a similar incident involved then-Union Minister Babul Supriyo (now a TMC minister). The ongoing conflict highlights the deep political divisions within the university and the state.

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