Kolkata, 11 September (H.S.): The Vice-Principal of Surendranath Law College, Mohammadi Tarannum, has resigned amid an ongoing student protest and a prolonged gherao at the college. However, after leaving the campus, Tarannum alleged that she was forced to sign the resignation letter and called for a proper investigation into the entire incident.

She has also appealed to the Chief Minister and the State Higher Education Minister to intervene in the matter.

Student protests have been continuing at the college since last Wednesday. The controversy began after the college authorities reportedly decided not to allow students with attendance below 40 per cent to appear for this year's examinations.

The protesting students, however, alleged that regular classes were not conducted at the college. They reportedly raised the issue with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calcutta, following which the college authorities started holding classes from around 6:30 am.

Students claimed that the early timing made it difficult for many of them to attend, citing limited availability of public transport and Metro services during the early morning hours.

They also alleged that the college authorities did not maintain a clear and transparent record of students' attendance. The protest intensified further after the authorities suspended the semester form-fill-up process on Thursday.

According to reports, protesting students gheraoed Vice-Principal Mohammadi Tarannum for nearly 23 hours. She was able to leave her room on Friday with police assistance.

After coming out of the college, Tarannum alleged that she had been confined to her room for nearly two days and was deprived of water and electricity. She claimed that she was forced to sign the resignation letter following prolonged pressure and the gherao.

While leaving the campus, Tarannum repeatedly said, “I have not resigned. I have not resigned.”

She demanded a fair investigation and said the system for maintaining student attendance records at the college should also be examined.

Tarannum further alleged that the teachers who were with her had been removed from the room, after which she was left alone. She said that if teachers continued to face such treatment, it would not be possible to improve the education system.

Responding to allegations regarding her political background, Tarannum said she had previously been associated with Left politics but had withdrawn from all forms of political membership after 2016.

Meanwhile, police presented a different version of the events. According to police, personnel had been deployed outside Surendranath Law College since Thursday in view of the possibility of unrest.

Police sources said that the college authorities had not initially made any formal request for assistance. On Friday morning, an email was reportedly sent on behalf of the Vice-Principal, but it did not specifically request police intervention to rescue or evacuate her.

Police nevertheless reached the spot, monitored the situation and reportedly arranged for a medical examination of the Vice-Principal.

Following Tarannum's departure from the college, a section of students allegedly carried out a “purification” ritual inside the campus by lighting incense and sprinkling Ganga water.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey