A Shocking Assault on Linguistic Identity: Kolkata Students Attacked, Branded 'Bangladeshi' for Speaking Bengali

Kolkata, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and deep appreciation for the Bengali language, was recently rocked by a deeply disturbing incident of xenophobia and violence. Students from Calcutta University were subjected to a brutal attack and verbal abuse by shopkeepers near their campus, simply for conversing in their mother tongue, Bengali.

The harrowing incident unfolded near College Street, a bustling hub of intellectual activity and a prominent landmark adjacent to the university.

According to reports, a group of students, including two young women and a male student, were engaged in a conversation in Bengali when they were confronted by local shopkeepers. The situation escalated rapidly as the shopkeepers allegedly began verbally assaulting the students, shockingly labeling them "Bangladeshi" in a derogatory manner.

What began as a verbal altercation quickly descended into physical violence.

The students were reportedly attacked and sustained injuries, necessitating immediate medical attention. The sheer audacity of the attack – a physical assault stemming from the act of speaking one's native language in one's own country – has sent shockwaves across the city and beyond.

The incident swiftly drew the attention of the local police.

Initial reports indicated the arrest of one shopkeeper, but following intense pressure and widespread condemnation, further arrests were made as the investigation progressed. The students, visibly shaken but resolute, wasted no time in organizing protests, demanding swift and stringent action against those responsible for the unprovoked assault.

Their unified voice underscored the collective outrage felt by the student community and concerned citizens alike.

Adding to the chorus of condemnation, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim vehemently denounced the attack. He assured the public that strict action would be taken against the perpetrators, emphasizing that such acts of discrimination and violence have no place in a civil society.

The Mayor's statement reflected the city's commitment to upholding its values of inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity.

This incident serves as a stark and unsettling reminder of the insidious nature of xenophobia and linguistic prejudice that can manifest even in culturally vibrant cities.

It raises critical questions about identity, belonging, and the right to express oneself freely without fear of discrimination or violence. As the city grapples with the aftermath, the demand for justice and a renewed commitment to fostering an environment of tolerance and mutual respect remains paramount.

The Calcutta University students' ordeal has ignited a crucial conversation about the need to protect linguistic rights and combat any form of prejudice that seeks to divide communities based on language or perceived origin.

The incident underscores the importance of vigilance and collective action to ensure that such discriminatory acts are never normalized and that every individual can speak their mother tongue with pride and without fear.