TMC-linked miscreants storm special school in Medinipur, harass staff and students

A residential school for speech and hearing-impaired children in East Medinipur has reported repeated harassment and obstruction by individuals allegedly linked to a Trinamool Congress-affiliated local club. The school, named 'Shruti', is situated on the three-acre land in Basudevpur under Sutahata police station, previously owned by independent India’s first Chief Minister of West Bengal, Prafulla Chandra Ghosh. The land was acquired by the state after his death, and the school was established in his memory.

The school currently accommodates around 100 specially-abled students. According to the school administration, over the past several days, members of a nearby club have been entering the campus without permission, threatening staff members, consuming alcohol, and creating disturbances. To prevent such intrusions, the authorities recently installed an iron gate at the school entrance.

Following the installation of the gate, tension escalated. On the night of 10 July, bamboo barricades were placed at the entrance of the school, completely blocking access. The acting headmistress was also allegedly threatened. As a result, students and staff were unable to enter the campus on the morning of 11 July. The school administration reported the matter to Sutahata police station.

Police personnel arrived at the spot and removed the barricades. However, the police faced resistance from some of the alleged miscreants during the operation. According to police sources, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The investigation is ongoing to identify others involved in obstructing the school’s operations.

The school authorities have stated that similar acts of intimidation have occurred in the past as well. They have appealed for long-term administrative support to ensure safety for students and staff. Locals have also expressed concern about continued disruptions at an institution built to honour the legacy of the state's first Chief Minister.