Uproar at Surendranath Law College: Students Demand VC's Resignation Amidst Sexual Harassment Scandal and Allegations of Cover-Up

Kolkata is witnessing a fervent display of student activism as Surendranath Law College has become the epicentre of a dramatic standoff. Students, fueled by outrage and a demand for accountability, launched an intensive ‘gherao’ protest on Friday, trapping Vice-Chancellor Subhrajyoti Gupta and other senior officials within the administrative building.

Their unified and resolute demand: the immediate resignation of the VC amidst explosive allegations of sexual harassment and a perceived cover-up by the college administration.

The genesis of this fiery protest lies in a complaint lodged by a female faculty member, who accused VC Gupta of sexual harassment.

According to student representatives, this grave accusation was not met with the swift and impartial justice it deserved. Instead, they allege a concerted effort by university authorities to suppress the complaint and sidestep a thorough, transparent inquiry. This alleged institutional apathy and complicity have ignited the students' fury, transforming their campus into a battleground for justice.

From the early hours of Friday morning, the students mobilized, forming an impenetrable human chain around the administrative block.

Chanting powerful slogans like "VC must resign!" and "We want justice!", they effectively sealed off all exits, ensuring that no official could leave. Vice-Chancellor Gupta, along with Registrar Mahendra Tiwari and other administrative staff, found themselves confined, facing the direct wrath of a student body determined to be heard.

Student leaders articulated their deep distrust in the university's internal sexual harassment committee, which they claim is either biased or ineffective.

"The committee’s actions so far have only demonstrated their unwillingness to deliver justice," declared one student protester, highlighting the broader institutional failings they believe are at play. The students' commitment to their cause is unwavering, with many vowing to continue the gherao indefinitely until their demands for the VC’s resignation and a fair investigation are unequivocally met.

The Registrar, Mahendra Tiwari, while confined, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, reportedly stating that legal action against the Vice-Chancellor was being explored.

However, for the students, mere exploration is not enough; they seek immediate, decisive action. Beyond the sexual harassment allegations, some students have also voiced concerns about broader administrative issues within the college, including alleged financial irregularities and arbitrary fee hikes, painting a picture of systemic discontent.

As the day progressed and evening descended, the gherao continued unabated.

The atmosphere remained charged with tension and determination. The student community at Surendranath Law College has made it clear that they will not yield, standing firm in their pursuit of transparency, justice, and a safe educational environment. This protest serves as a stark reminder of the power of student activism in holding institutions accountable and demanding an end to silence and impunity.