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‘Police had to show some action’: Father of arrested former JU student questions son’s involvement in attack on Bratya Basu’s convoy

Police allege Hindol Majumdar was the ‘prime conspirator’ in the protest by Left-affiliated student groups demanding student union elections

Minister Bratya Basu was injured in the incident. (Source: File)

The father of Hindol Majumdar, the former Jadavpur University (JU) student arrested at Delhi airport over an alleged attack on state Education Minister Bratya Basu’s convoy, has strongly defended his son, saying he was in Spain at the time of the March incident. Kolkata Police are preparing to seek a transit remand to bring the PhD scholar to the city.

Chandan Majumdar, a retired JU professor, said Hindol has been living in Spain since November 2023, pursuing a doctorate in Biomedicine and Clinical Science at the University of Granada.

Hindol had reportedly been served notices before a lookout notice was issued against him on March 16. He had sent an email that day, stating he had been living in Spain since November 2023, and therefore could not have been present at the university on the day of the attack.

Police allege that he, along with two others abroad, funded those involved in the attack, citing “incriminating WhatsApp chats and social media posts”. Majumdar questioned such evidence: “If on the basis of social media posts it is now being decided whether one would get a visa or not, then what can we say?”

Hindol, who last visited Kolkata in November 2024, is expected to be produced in Patiala House Court, where Kolkata Police will seek his custody. Minister Bratya Basu has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.

Hindol has completed his BE and ME in Pharma and is pursuing a PhD in the same specialisation. His father said, “There are two cases against him. In one, he had received a notice and replied via email from Spain. In the other, he is named and a lookout notice was issued. My son is not directly involved in any political party, but there are groups within the university, and he is part of one of them. My son follows a left-wing ideology. I guess this case involves a Minister, so the police had to show some action… I hope he gets bail. He has another year and a half left to complete his PhD.”

The Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association has condemned the arrest and demanded his release. Police allege Majumdar was the “prime conspirator” in the protest by Left-affiliated student groups demanding student union elections, during which Basu’s car was allegedly surrounded, the windscreen damaged, tyres deflated, and minor injuries reported to the minister and a student.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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