‘HoD shouldn’t visit Jadavpur University till probe ends’: Bengal Minorities Commission on hijab row after visit

The panel sought details of the steps taken by the university to prevent "such incidents". (File Photo)

In connection with the recent hijab-related controversy at Jadavpur University, the West Bengal Minorities Commission has recommended that the Head of the Department of English, Saswati Haldar, should not visit the campus until the inquiry into the matter is completed.

A seven-member team of the Minority Commission visited the university on Tuesday and met Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, Pro Vice-Chancellor Amitava Datta, and Registrar Selim Box Mandal. The panel sought details of the steps taken by the university to prevent “such incidents”.

Commission chairperson Ahmed Hasan Imran told The Indian Express, “The university has formed a fact-finding committee. We have asked them to look into the matter as the committee is expected to submit its report within 30 days. Meanwhile, we have also asked the university to inform us about the steps taken during this period.”

He added, “We have stated that, in the meantime, the HoD who targeted the girl for wearing the hijab, and who also asked several irrelevant questions, should not be allowed to enter the university until the investigation is over, as she may influence the investigation.”

According to Imran, the commission also interacted with the student and her parents. “The parents and the girl are very scared and need counselling. We asked the university why counselling was not arranged earlier. The Vice-Chancellor has assured us that the matter will be looked into,” he said.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, in a statement, said, “I appeal to all stakeholders of Jadavpur University to reaffirm our shared commitment to inter-faith harmony and the dignity of diversity. Founded on the ideals of learning, reason, and public service, our university has long stood as a meeting ground for cultures, languages, beliefs and ideas. Such plurality is not incidental to our legacy; it is our long-nurtured strength.”

The statement further said, “We urge every member of our community to articulate differences through dialogue, empathy, and restraint, and to reject prejudice, provocation and misinformation in all forms. Academic freedom flourishes only in an environment of mutual respect, where disagreement is guided by civility and compassion for each other. Let us ensure that our conduct within and beyond the campus reflects the values we stand for.”

Meanwhile, according to sources, the HoD submitted a report on Monday to the Vice-Chancellor and Pro Vice-Chancellor, giving a detailed chronological account of the events of that day.

The student had alleged that she was asked to partially remove her hijab by an invigilator during an examination, and was asked irrelevant questions about it, on December 23.