On February 20, 2026, student groups clashed at Jadavpur University (JU) during election campaigning, resulting in injuries to two professors and six students.

The clash occurred after faculty and students gathered for a preparatory meeting ahead of an event marking International Mother Language Day. Shortly after the meeting concluded, a verbal altercation broke out between members of two student organizations near the Science-Arts buildings. The dispute quickly escalated into a physical scuffle. According to university sources, tensions had been brewing for several days over the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) elections.

The conflict involved members of We the Independent (WTI) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI). As supporters from both sides gathered, the situation turned violent. Witnesses reported that while attempting to mediate and defuse the confrontation, professors Rajyeswar Sinha and Lalit Lalitav Mahakud were assaulted. SFI students reportedly pulled the professors to safety and escorted them to a nearby hospital. At least six students were also reportedly injured.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about violent clashes between student groups on campus. Scholars at Risk calls on all parties to exercise restraint and to avoid violence. State authorities have the right and obligation to maintain order, which they must with due regard for the rights of protesters and others, including the rights to free expression, academic freedom, peaceful assembly, and due process.

Sources:
https://www.etvbharat.com/en/state/west-bengal-clash-over-icc-elections-turns-violent-at-jadavpur-university-two-professors-injured-enn26022103005
https://www.indiatv.in/west-bengal/clash-between-students-jadavpur-university-attack-on-two-professors-seriously-injured-2026-02-21-1199459
https://bharathorizon.com/education/school-education/ju-campus-violence-professors-students-hurt-in-student-group-brawl.html