Three Aliah University Students Allege Assault, Communal Slurs in Kolkata

Kolkata: Three students of Aliah University have alleged that they were physically assaulted and subjected to communal slurs while walking towards Sealdah railway station after attending classes at the university’s Taltala campus on September 24.

The students, identified as Md Ashique Billah, 24, Moyajjem Hossain, 23, and Hasanur Jaman, 24, said the incident took place at around 2:40 pm near GD Hospital and Diabetes Institute on Lenin Sarani Road.

According to Ashique, two unidentified men travelling on a black and white scooter stopped them and allegedly began an argument. The students said they initially tried to avoid the confrontation and leave the area.

Ashique alleged that one of the men slapped him after accusing the students of abusing them. He further alleged that the men used abusive language and repeatedly referred to the students as “jihadi” and “jangi”, apparently referring to their beards, traditional clothing and skullcap.

The students alleged that the confrontation later escalated into physical violence. They said they were slapped and punched, their clothes were pulled and they were threatened with serious consequences. According to student representative Md Motasim Billah, Hasanur suffered an injury to his mouth, while Ashique sustained an injury to his head.

The students later submitted a written complaint to the Deputy Registrar of Aliah University, stating that they had been attacked near Taltala Market while returning home.

Students Approach Police

The students, accompanied by several fellow students, reached Taltala Police Station within about an hour of the alleged incident. They said they requested that CCTV footage from the area be examined and that action be taken against those responsible.

According to Motasim, the students were advised to submit a written complaint rather than immediately register an FIR. He also alleged that one of the men involved in the incident later appeared at the police station and made threatening gestures towards Ashique.

The students further alleged that a local BJP leader warned them that filing an FIR could result in a counter case. They said they eventually sought preventive action and increased security along the routes used by students.

Maktoob reported that it had contacted Taltala Police for a response but had not received one at the time of publication. The allegations against the unidentified men have therefore not been independently established.

Earlier Complaints Alleged

The incident has also brought forward claims of earlier harassment faced by female students travelling through the same area.

Motasim and Ashique told Maktoob that some female students had previously complained of being subjected to derogatory remarks, including references to their Muslim identity and jihad. They said the students had been reluctant to approach authorities because of concerns about confronting the alleged harassers while travelling alone.

The claims are based on accounts shared by the students and their representatives and have not been independently verified.

Aliah University Background

Aliah University has its roots in the institution established in Kolkata in 1780 as a centre for Arabic, Persian and Islamic law education. It was granted university status in 2007 and now offers programmes across Islamic studies, humanities, sciences, engineering, management and other disciplines.

The university’s official website has also listed notices concerning student safety and administrative matters in recent weeks.

The alleged assault has renewed concerns among student representatives about the safety of Muslim students travelling to and from the university. Motasim said students come from different parts of West Bengal, including economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and should be able to pursue their education without fear.

Ashique said the incident had affected him not only as an individual but also because of what he viewed as the treatment of Muslim students based on their appearance and identity.

The allegations surrounding the September 24 incident remain subject to verification by the police and other authorities.