Jadavpur's Tagore-linked emblem damaged in vandalism; case filed

Kolkata: The vice chancellor of Jadavpur University on Friday lodged police complaints over the violence that broke out on its campus here on August 19 midnight. A three-member probe panel has been formed to look into the issue.

On Thursday afternoon, an iron frame around the varsity's emblem, designed by legendary artist Nandalal Bose under the instructions of Rabindranath Tagore, was completely broken after protesters allegedly trampled on it while scaling the locked gate on Thursday evening.

Police said a case has been registered following the Jadavpur University VC's complaint. "In the complaint, he (VC) has stated that on 20.08.2026, after 12.37 am, a group of unknown persons/outsiders allegedly forcibly entered the Jadavpur University campus and indulged in arson, vandalism and intimidation. Burning materials were allegedly thrown into Aurobindo Bhavan, where students and security personnel had taken shelter, thereby endangering their lives," police said.


"University property, including CCTV cameras, gates and installations, was damaged, and an attempt was allegedly made to forcibly open the main hostel gate. Further vandalism was reported at about 14:00 hours on August 20, including damage to the University emblem and adjoining installations," the police said.

Congress, ABVP and Left-backed unions in the college called for protests on Friday against the vandalism, especially concerning the damage to the university's historic and iconic emblem. The university's Left-backed professors protested over the emblem issue.

Members of ABVP and Left unions clashed in front of the Jadavpur University on Thursday, following Wednesday night's alleged violence inside the campus and altercation between two groups during a student union general body meeting.

Meanwhile, the ruling BJP in West Bengal spoke in different tones on the violence. State finance minister Swapan Dasgupta condemned the desecration of the varsity's emblem, while his Cabinet colleagues warned of more "surgical strikes". In a video message on X, Dasgupta advised politicians to stay away from students' politics and to keep in mind the nationalist heritage of JU, which was a centre of excellence and pointed out that "the emblem was insulted".