Islamophobic Graffiti Found at ISI Kolkata Sparks Outrage Among Students
Hate messages targeting Muslims appeared on the doors and walls of a hostel at the Indian Statistical Institute, prompting calls for an investigation.
Kolkata: Islamophobic graffiti with hate messages against Muslims was discovered at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) campus in Kolkata, a day after the Red Fort bomb blast in Delhi. The writings, seen on the doors and walls of the CV Raman Hall boys’ hostel, have drawn sharp condemnation from students and faculty alike.
According to a report by Alt News, the graffiti included messages such as “Muslims and dogs should not enter the premises” and “No Muslims allowed.” One older message on the hostel gate — “Dogs shouldn’t enter the premises” — had been altered by adding the words “Muslims &” in white chalk, making it explicitly hateful.
Students first informed the hostel administration verbally. Soon after, ISI Director Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay, Dean Biswabrata Pradhan, and warden Subhamoy Maitra visited the site with members of the student-led General Affairs (GA) Committee. The director reportedly condemned the act and assured students that the administration would look into the matter.
A formal written complaint was later submitted, requesting an investigation to identify those responsible. Students said they were denied access to CCTV footage near the hostel gate but were told the administration would review it internally. Authorities also suggested conducting a sensitisation programme for students.
On November 12, around ten students — including undergraduate, postgraduate, and research scholars — met the dean to demand a stronger response. The dean promised a public statement and mentioned plans for a seminar on communal harmony in January. However, by late evening that day, no official statement had been issued, leaving some students concerned about administrative inaction.
The incident occurred amid a surge of Islamophobic sentiment across the country following the deadly explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort, which killed at least 13 people. Online hate speech spiked shortly after the blast, with several social media users and commentators spreading communal narratives and targeting Muslims and Kashmiris.
Reports from various states, including Rajasthan and Haryana, indicate that Muslims — especially Kashmiris — are facing heightened scrutiny, evictions, and harassment in the aftermath of the blast.
The Indian Statistical Institute, established in 1931 and recognised as an ‘Institution of National Importance,’ has campuses across Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Tezpur. Students at ISI Kolkata have urged the administration to conduct a transparent investigation and take strong action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
