JU student denied bail, sent to 5-day police custody over TMC office arson

JU student Soumyadeep Mahato denied bail, sent to five days of police custody in March 1 arson case
Prosecution claims planned chaos; defense denies charges, argues for bail citing semester exams starting on March 24
Security tightened at Jadavpur University as police analyze CCTV footage, digital evidence, and investigate further suspects

Jadavpur University undergraduate student Soumyadeep Mahato was denied bail on Thursday and remanded to five days of police custody in connection with the March 1 arson at the Trinamool Shiksha Bandhu Samity office on campus. Mahato, a first-year Philosophy student, was arrested on Wednesday evening after being summoned for questioning at Jadavpur police station. His family was informed of his arrest over the phone.

The police claim Mahato is affiliated with DSF (Arts Wing) and The Collective, both ultra-leftist student organizations. The incident occurred on March 1 during Webcupa’s annual general meeting when clashes erupted between left-wing student organizations and the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) over student union elections and other demands. A group of protestors allegedly stormed the Shiksha Bandhu office, vandalized it, and set it on fire. During the unrest, demonstrators reportedly deflated the tires of Education Minister Bratya Basu’s car while he was present on campus.

Basu sustained minor injuries and received primary treatment at SSKM Hospital. Police had earlier arrested former JU student Sahil in connection with the case, who was granted bail on Wednesday. During the hearing, the prosecution submitted what they claimed was evidence of a planned obstruction of the minister’s car and a strategy to manage police intervention. Mahato’s defense denied all allegations and argued for his release, citing his upcoming semester exams scheduled for March 24. After reviewing arguments from both sides, the court ordered Mahato’s five-day police custody.

Police officials stated that they are questioning Mahato to identify others involved in the violence and are analyzing CCTV footage and digital evidence related to the incident. Security has been tightened in and around the Jadavpur University campus as tensions remain high following the arrest. Authorities have indicated that further arrests may take place as the investigation progresses.

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