Shocking Assault: Calcutta University Students Attacked, Branded 'Bangladeshi' Near Sealdah Station

A disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through Kolkata, as four Calcutta University students were reportedly assaulted near Sealdah station in a harrowing encounter that escalated from a heated exchange to physical violence. The incident, which took place after an examination, saw the students allegedly targeted with xenophobic slurs before being physically attacked.

According to reports, the students, identified as Arka Karmakar and Soumyadeep Dutta among the four, were waiting for a bus when they noticed a large group of individuals, estimated to be between 20 to 25 people, openly consuming alcohol in a public space.

When one of the students voiced an objection to the public nuisance, the situation quickly deteriorated into a verbal confrontation.

During the escalating argument, the assailants allegedly hurled derogatory remarks at the students, calling them “Bangladeshi” – a xenophobic slur often used to target individuals perceived as outsiders or immigrants.

This deeply offensive verbal assault was swiftly followed by a physical attack, leaving two of the students, Arka Karmakar and Soumyadeep Dutta, with injuries significant enough to require admission to NRS Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

The traumatized students wasted no time in reporting the egregious act, lodging a formal complaint at the Sealdah Government Railway Police (GRP) station.

Responding to the gravity of the allegations, the police have registered a case under several pertinent sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to voluntarily causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and common intention, signaling a serious approach to the investigation.

Authorities have confirmed that a thorough investigation is underway.

As part of their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, law enforcement officials are meticulously reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity of the incident. This footage is expected to provide crucial evidence in identifying the assailants and piecing together the exact sequence of events that led to this alarming act of prejudice and violence.

This incident not only underscores concerns about public safety in urban areas but also casts a harsh light on the persistence of xenophobia and discrimination.

It serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals when confronted with intolerance and the urgent need for robust legal action to deter such abhorrent behavior and ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens.