Visva-Bharati University files police complaint against TMC MLA for leading vandalism at campus

Police is yet to file an FIR on the basis of the complaint, sources said.

Even as eerie silence prevailed around the university campus, the authorities, which had announced closure of the campus after the vandalism, today began the admission process for the new academic year, conceding to the demands of the prospective students.

Visva Bharati authorities filed the complaint against local Trinamool Congress Legislator Naresh Bouri, accusing him of leading the vandalism and nine others, including Visva Bharati's TMC leader Gagan Sarkar.

However, before the complaint, the local police station had swung into action and arrested eight accused on Monday.

A report from Kolkata said BJP state president Dilip Ghosh today alleged that there was an attempt to encroach upon the property of the Central university at Santiniketan, and state ruling TMC was behind the provocation.

He told reporters at Howrah station on his arrival from New Delhi that the Pous Mela ground is the property of Visva Bharati and the boundary wall would help the institution maintain its safety and security as students from around the world go there to study.

The demolition and vandalism of the university property here hit hard the corridors of power in Kolkata where the Rajbhavan and Nabanna have different takes regarding demolition and construction of the boundary wall.

TMC MLA Naresh Bouri in red shirt seen in the agitation

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee clarified, "I don't want any construction on Visva Bharati University campus, no untoward incident should happen there."

"Visva Bharati is a Central University. I don't want any construction there which will spoil nature's beauty. I request the Vice-Chancellor to consult the DM and SP. There should no such things in Bengal which will destroy the culture and heritage of the state," she noted.

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said the events, which unfolded at Visva Bharati during the day, have tarnished the image of the state and adversely impacted the working of the prestigious institution.

Mr Dhankhar said: "The events that unfolded during the day have tarnished the image of the State of West Bengal and have been adversely impactful on the working of the prestigious institution Visva Bharati."

"All exemplary steps @MamataOfficial need to be taken to salvage the situation at the earliest," he iterated.

"Due to law and order problems @MamataOfficial Visva-bharati University has unanimously decided in a meeting of its directors, principals and HODs to temporarily close campus to cool down the situation, given threat to staff with dire consequences, " the Governor stated.

"Hope situation gets normal soon," Mr Dhankhar said.

Mr Dhankhar said, "Am distressed at rampant vandalism at Viswa Bharati with administration @MamataOfficial failing to take timely pre-emptive steps."

"Have shared with CM the hoary scenes of violence and police and administration being no where around," he said and appealed to all for maintaining peace.

"Shameful vandalism at Visva Bharati today exposes partisan stance of administration and police @MamataOfficial," he rued.

"Political neutrality and adherence to conduct was no where to be noticed. This surely cannot be countenanced in a society governed by law, " he said adding, "All are accountable to law."

" National Green Tribunal in its order had indicated 'The Visva-Bharati will demarcate the Mela ground and barricade the same so that the Mela ground will be a separate self- contained unit from the university and the locality.' Stance @MamataOfficial is not in sync with NGT, " the Governor observed.