Police in Bengal have arrested a well-known scholar today, accusing him of planning an attack on a state minister’s convoy. The sudden arrest sends shockwaves through the community, as authorities claim they stopped a serious threat. This situation comes amid rising political tensions in the region, bringing an academic into a high-stakes investigation. Officers are now looking into deeper connections and motives behind the alleged scheme, making this a major ongoing story.
Scholar Detained at Delhi Airport
In a major development, a research scholar from Jadavpur University, Hindol Majumdar, was arrested at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport this Wednesday. He was detained in connection with an alleged plot to attack the convoy of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu. The arrest came after a lookout circular notice had been issued against Majumdar. Authorities state that Majumdar arrived in India from Spain, where he has been pursuing higher studies. Following his detention at immigration, he was handed over to the Delhi Police. The Kolkata Police have since dispatched a team to Delhi to take custody of the scholar, aiming to bring him to Kolkata for further legal proceedings.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The alleged plot for which Hindol Majumdar was arrested relates to a violent protest incident that took place in March this year at the Jadavpur University campus. During that incident, West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu’s convoy faced demonstrations while he was leaving a meeting of the West Bengal College and University Professors’ Association (WBCUPA). Reports indicate that around 100 students surrounded the Minister’s car, allegedly causing damage to its windscreen and deflating its tyres. The Minister was reportedly confined inside his vehicle for about two hours and sustained minor injuries from shattered glass. Conversely, protesting students claimed that they were injured when the Minister’s convoy ran over their feet. The protests were primarily driven by demands for student union elections.
Police Allegations and Charges
Police have identified Hindol Majumdar as a key figure in the alleged plot, naming him as the “prime conspirator” in the First data Report (FIR) filed regarding the March incident. Authorities allege Majumdar’s involvement in orchestrating the attack on Minister Basu’s vehicle. They further claim that Majumdar, along with two other individuals living abroad, provided funding for those involved in the incident. The police have stated that they possess “incriminating WhatsApp chats and social media posts” as evidence to support their claims. The charges brought against Majumdar are serious and include:
- Wrongful restraint
- Causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous means
- Mischief
- Criminal conspiracy
- Damage to public property
- Subversive acts
- Disrespect to the national flag
These charges are based on sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (WBMPO) Act.
Scholar’s Background and Family’s Defense
Hindol Majumdar is an alumnus of Jadavpur University, where he studied pharmaceutical technology. For the past two years, he has been pursuing a PhD in Biomedicine and Clinical Science at the University of Granada in Spain. His parents, both retired professors from Jadavpur University, have strongly defended their son, asserting that he was not in India at the time of the March incident. They claim that Hindol Majumdar has been residing in Spain since November 2023. His father expressed surprise, stating that they were unaware of any lookout notice against their son. Majumdar himself had reportedly sent an email on March 16, stating his presence in Spain and therefore his inability to have been at the university on the day of the alleged attack. Majumdar’s parents have questioned the nature of the evidence, particularly concerning social media posts. They emphasized that their son is a serious student and is not directly involved with any political party, though he was part of certain university groups.
Academic and Political Reactions
The arrest of Hindol Majumdar has sparked significant reactions from various stakeholders, including the academic community and political groups. The Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) has openly condemned the arrest, calling it an attack on academic freedom and democracy. They have demanded his immediate release, stating that the arrest appears to be part of a broader “state clampdown on dissent” and an attempt to intimidate individuals. From the political sphere, opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing them of “stifling dissent” and selective enforcement of the law. He echoed the frustrations expressed by JUTA regarding the perceived suppression of critical voices. In response, the TMC has maintained that Majumdar’s arrest is a result of legitimate investigations. They have accused Majumdar of inciting attacks on Minister Basu through social media. The incident highlights ongoing debates about state governance, political dissent. the role of academic freedom in West Bengal.
What Happens Next
Following his arrest and initial detention by Delhi Police, Hindol Majumdar is expected to be produced before a court in Delhi. The Kolkata Police are preparing to seek a transit remand to facilitate his transfer to Kolkata, where the main investigation is being conducted. This legal step will allow Kolkata Police to take physical custody of Majumdar and continue their questioning and evidence gathering in West Bengal. The case is likely to involve further court proceedings as Majumdar’s legal team is expected to challenge the allegations and seek bail. The outcome of the transit remand hearing will be crucial for the next phase of the investigation and the legal battle ahead.
