ABVP lodged a police complaint over the defacement of a Swami Vivekananda poster at Presidency University, Kolkata
KOLKATA: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Kolkata Mahanagar unit , has lodged a complaint with the Officer-in-Charge of Jorasanko Police Station in Kolkata over the defacement of a poster depicting Swami Vivekananda at Presidency University and the appearance of offensive graffiti on the campus.
In a complaint dated October 14, ABVP Kolkata Mahanagar Secretary Swadhin Haldar alleged that unidentified individuals defaced a poster featuring Swami Vivekananda, put up by ABVP members, on October 13. The organisation has demanded an impartial investigation, identification of those responsible and appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.
The complaint also refers to graffiti containing derogatory language directed against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and ABVP on various parts of the university premises.
In a social media statement, ABVP Bengal expressed strong objection to the use of offensive words, including “Rapist” and “Throw Garbage”, on images of Swami Vivekananda at the historic main building of Presidency University and its surrounding areas.
The student organisation described the incident as highly condemnable, asserting that Swami Vivekananda commands widespread respect across the country. It said the act reflected a deeply objectionable attitude towards India’s revered national figures.
ABVP said it strongly opposed what it termed a disrespectful expression of hostility towards the spiritual leader and social reformer. The organisation called for the immediate identification of those involved and appropriate action against them.
It also demanded that CCTV footage from the relevant areas be made public to help establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.
In its complaint to Jorasanko police, ABVP alleged that the graffiti included the words “Fk RSS” and “Fk ABVP”. It further claimed that members of the ABVP-RSS fraternity had been labelled casteist without substantiated evidence being presented in support of the allegations.
The complaint stated that the alleged defacement, derogatory language and inflammatory messages could create an atmosphere of hostility, undermine mutual respect and aggravate tensions among different groups within the university community.
Seeking a thorough and impartial investigation, Haldar urged the police to examine available CCTV footage and other relevant evidence to identify the individuals responsible.
The organisation has sought appropriate legal and disciplinary action against those found responsible, in accordance with applicable laws and university regulations. It has also called for the arrest of the accused wherever warranted by the evidence and applicable law.
The complaint further urged the authorities to take preventive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and that the university continues to provide a peaceful, respectful and harmonious academic environment.
ABVP said the university administration and law enforcement authorities should treat the matter seriously and ensure a fair and transparent investigation.
The organisation emphasised the need to protect the dignity of the institution, maintain peaceful coexistence among different groups and prevent acts of vandalism or hostility from disrupting academic life.
Copies of the complaint have also been forwarded to the West Bengal Minister-in-Charge of Higher Education, the Principal Secretary of the Higher Education Department, the Vice-Chancellor of Presidency University and the university’s Registrar. The complainant has urged the concerned authorities to take appropriate steps in response to the allegations.
