Clashes broke out between SFI and ABVP supporters inside the JU campus on Wednesday night. (File Photo)The Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh (ABRSM), a teachers’ organisation affiliated to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), on Saturday objected to the composition of an inquiry committee formed to investigate the recent clash at Jadavpur University (JU) in Kolkata.The Jadavpur unit of ABRSM questioned the appointment of Professor Shubha Shankar Sarkar as the chairman of the inquiry committee.In a letter addressed to JU Vice-Chancellor Dr Chiranjib Bhattacharjee, the organisation stated, “Our principal objection concerns the appointment of Prof Subha Shankar Sarkar as the Chairman of the said Enquiry Committee. Prof Sarkar was removed from the post of Chairman of the West Bengal Central School Service Commission in 2022 following proceedings before the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court concerning alleged irregularities in the recruitment of school teachers. The Court also reportedly imposed a monetary penalty of Rs 20,000 upon him.”Meanwhile, speaking to media persons, Prof Shubha Shankar Sarkar said, “I have not accepted the appointment for personal reasons. Moreover, the inquiry committee needs to interact with all students, staff, and others present during the clash. It is a long-drawn process; I have to sit with them regularly, take their versions, and then file a report. I am a 70-year-old retired person, and I do not stay here. So, it would not be possible for me to give that time.”The ABRSM also objected to the presence of JU Deputy Registrar Dr Abul Hasnath in the inquiry committee. The RSS affiliate claimed they have doubts regarding Dr Hasnath fulfilling the minimum eligibility criteria for appointment to the post of deputy registrar.“Despite the seriousness of these allegations and concerns, no investigation into the circumstances surrounding Dr Hasnath’s appointment has, to our knowledge, been ordered by you till date,” the ABRSM letter reads.The teachers’ organisation stated that any previous legal or institutional controversy involving the chairman or members of the committee could affect the credibility of the investigation.Story continues below this adThe organisation has demanded that a fresh and ‘genuinely independent’ inquiry committee comprising retired judges and experienced investigating officers with no apparent conflict of interest be constituted immediately.Also Read | Jadavpur and the violence of refusing to hear the otherAsked about Prof Sarkar’s statement, Acting Registrar Salim Box Mondol said, “Prof Sarkar has informed that due to personal reasons he will not be able to chair the inquiry committee. The work of the committee would have started on Monday as he was not in town, but now a new chairman has to be selected.”Clashes broke out between SFI and ABVP supporters inside the JU campus on Wednesday night over the Left student union allegedly holding a General Body meeting of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students’ Union.On Thursday, both the ABVP and SFI organised separate protest rallies, resulting in scuffles with the police. The University had formed a high-powered committee to investigate the midnight clash.Tanusree Bose is a dedicated journalist reporting for The Indian Express from Kolkata. Her work focuses sharply on the complex administrative, political, and judicial developments across West Bengal, establishing her as an authoritative voice in regional news coverage. Experience Current Role: Reports for the prestigious national daily, The Indian Express, providing her content with a high level of Trustworthiness. Geographical Expertise: Provides focused, in-depth coverage of West Bengal, demonstrating an intimate knowledge of the state's news and political nuances. Core Authority: Her reporting portfolio highlights deep Expertise in crucial, often sensitive, beats, including: State Politics and Governance: Covering the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), opposition strategies (BJP), and internal political controversies. Judicial and Administrative Affairs: Closely monitoring key developments in the Calcutta High Court, particularly major rulings related to employment, education, and social issues. Education Sector: Extensive reporting on significant controversies, such as teacher recruitment irregularities and administrative actions by the West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE). Social & Electoral Issues: Covering public events, community tensions (e.g., religious/political gatherings), and election-related processes like the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll. Tanusree Bose's consistent output and focus on high-stakes regional issues for a trusted media outlet underscore her status as a reliable and authoritative source for news from West Bengal. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram