Jadavpur University clash: Inquiry panel chief resigns, varsity to appoint new committee head
"I informed the Jadavpur University vice-chancellor immediately after receiving the communication about my appointment. I am currently in Delhi, and the inquiry would require regular interactions with the people who were present on the campus during the incident," says Professor Subha Shankar Sarkar
Professor Subha Shankar Sarkar has stepped down as the head of a five-member inquiry panel at Jadavpur University, citing his inability to conduct the investigation effectively, a university official announced on Monday (August 24, 2026). The university will appoint a new chairperson to oversee the probe. Sarkar informed Vice Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee of his decision via email on Saturday (August 22), stating that he would not be able to take up the assignment.
The inquiry, which followed a clash between ABVP workers and Left-leaning student groups on the university campus on August 20, would require regular interactions with those present during the incident, Sarkar explained to PTI. While the university suggested online proceedings, Sarkar felt that such an inquiry could not be carried out effectively through virtual interactions.
The clash erupted over allegations of outsiders being brought into the campus, with ABVP accusing Left student organizations of confrontations and the Left groups accusing ABVP of bringing outsiders and vandalizing the campus. Sarkar's resignation came hours before the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh wrote to the vice-chancellor, questioning his appointment due to his prior removal from the West Bengal School Service Commission in January 2022.
The university had announced the formation of the committee on August 21 following student, teacher, and citizen protests against the alleged vandalism on the campus.
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