Kolkata: Tensions have erupted at Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College in Kolkata as students clashed with the administration over the organisation of Saraswati Puja. The situation escalated on Tuesday when a group of angry students reportedly locked the principal’s office. The dispute centres on alumni’s involvement in the religious event, which current students strongly oppose.
The college principal has stated that former students are welcome to attend the puja. However, current students allege that alumni participation could lead to harassment and threats.
The main point of contention is the involvement of Dawood Aman Mullah, a former student and leader of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad, in the puja committee. Students claim that Mullah has previously harassed and threatened others. They also argue that major responsibilities for organising the puja have been handed to alumni, while current students have been excluded from the committee.
Students protest over alumni control of Saraswati Puja
The protest began on January 20 when a group of students locked Principal Sunanda Goenka’s office, demanding that alumni not be involved in the puja. The students accused the principal of ignoring their concerns and attempting to hold the event under external influence.
Posters pasted on the locked door read, “Illegally appointed, under-qualified principal. You are not allowed… Resign immediately.”
One student alleged that the principal “does not want to listen to us at all” and would not allow the puja to proceed according to the students’ wishes. Another accused the alumni of seeking to control puja funds, suggesting their primary interest was financial gain rather than participating in the event.
The students further alleged that they have been facing threats from former students, including Dawood Mullah. As a result, preparations for the Saraswati Puja, scheduled for January 23, have come to a halt.
Principal Sunanda Goenka denied the allegations, stating that the puja committee was formed legally and that all students would be treated equally. She added that alumni wishing to attend could do so, emphasising that there was “no obstacle to the puja” and that all arrangements would proceed in accordance with the law. The Trinamool Congress has voiced support for the principal. Party leader Kunal Ghosh dismissed the unrest as mere “rumours,” assuring that the puja would take place smoothly.
Court and police intervention needed in past disruptions
This is not the first time Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri Law College has faced disruptions surrounding Saraswati Puja. In February 2025, a similar controversy arose when outsiders, allegedly led by Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad leader Mohammed Shabbir Ali, threatened students to prevent the celebrations. Reports stated that he even issued rape and murder threats against female students.
In response, the students approached the Calcutta High Court, which ordered an armed police presence, the removal of an illegal pandal, and video recording of the event to ensure safety. The puja was ultimately held under the supervision of the Kolkata Police.
