Calcutta University VC, teachers allege assault

Calcutta University vice chancellor Suranjan Das was on Wednesday manhandled and many teachers assaulted by supporters of West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress students' wing, alleged a section of teachers. The Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) denied the allegations.

The incident took place during an agitation by a section of teachers and other university employees against the suspension of finance officer Harisadhan Ghosh over allegations of corruption.

The agitation was backed by the Left-affiliated West Bengal College and University Teachers' Association (WBCUTA).

According to WBCUTA general secretary Srutinath Praharaj, the attackers "jumped" on the vice chancellor who had rushed to the spot in the campus when teachers and staff members were being attacked.

"It is obvious that they are supported by the ruling party. They were not students of the university. The teachers were carrying out their agitation in Darbhanga Hall when the outsiders attacked them and also manhandled the vice chancellor," Praharaj said.

Some teachers alleged that the miscreants pushed and shoved women faculty members.

Denying the involvement of their activists, TMCP state president Ashok Rudra assured action if involvement of Trinamool activists was found.

The WBCUTA said it will stage protest marches on Thursday across the state.