Surendranath College case: Vendor linked to Debashis Bandyopadhyay arrested

Police have arrested Paritosh Dutta, a vendor allegedly close to Debashis Bandyopadhyay, in connection with the ongoing controversy at Surendranath College. Dutta was arrested in Burdwan by Kolkata Police’s Anti-Goonda Squad with assistance from Muchipara Police Station officers. The arrest comes as authorities continue investigating allegations linked to cash recovered from the college premises and the use of certain rooms inside the institution.

The Higher Education Department has sought a detailed report from the college administration regarding multiple aspects of the case. The department has requested information on how money collected from students through the student union was spent, whether permission had been granted for the construction of the rooms under scrutiny and who used them, and how bags allegedly containing cash were brought into the college. Officials have also sought CCTV footage, details of security arrangements, a list of individuals who may have been involved and clarification regarding the entry of outsiders into the campus.

The department has further directed the college administration to explain whether faculty members and staff were aware of the activities under investigation and, if required, obtain inputs from the former principal. Authorities have asked for the report to be submitted at the earliest and indicated that further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.

The controversy intensified after investigators reportedly found bags containing bundles of termite-damaged cash inside a student union room. During the investigation, attention also turned to two air-conditioned rooms located on the fifth floor of the college and officially described as part of a terrace facility. According to allegations, the rooms contained beds, mattresses, pillows, cupboards, air-conditioning units, contraceptives and bottles containing allegedly objectionable liquids.

Debashis Bandyopadhyay, a member of the college governing body, has been accused of using the rooms for personal purposes. Allegations have also surfaced that non-teaching staff members were made to provide massage services there. The developments have drawn attention because Surendranath College, established more than 140 years ago, is among Kolkata’s longstanding educational institutions. Authorities are continuing to examine the allegations and evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.