Tensions are running high at Kolkata's Jadavpur University after graffiti reading 'Azad Kashmir' and 'Free Palestine' appeared on a wall near the university’s gate number three. The black graffiti, which has triggered strong reactions on campus and beyond, has led to the registration of an FIR by Kolkata Police against unknown individuals responsible for the act.

The appearance of these politically charged slogans has added fuel to an already volatile atmosphere within the university, which has been witnessing continuous protests in recent days. Although regular classes and examinations proceeded largely as scheduled on Monday, the controversy surrounding the graffiti has only intensified the unrest.

At this point, authorities have not identified the individuals or organisations responsible for the graffiti. Yet, speculation and accusations are already circulating within student groups and faculty members, further deepening divisions.

The graffiti controversy comes in the wake of ongoing protests that erupted on March 1, when two students were injured after the car of West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu and another vehicle allegedly grazed them during a Left-affiliated protest on campus. The incident prompted an FIR against Minister Bratya Basu and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and professor Om Prakash Mishra for their alleged roles in the altercation.

Adding to the tension, the arrival of Professor Mishra on Monday, accompanied by what students claimed were plainclothes police officers, angered several student and faculty groups. They alleged that around 30 plainclothes officers entered the campus soon after Mishra arrived and remained there until classes ended in the afternoon.

Commenting on the graffiti, Jadavpur University Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (JUTMCP) unit president Kishalay Roy accused "ultra-Left student outfits" of being behind the act. Roy said, "Some ultra-Left student outfits are behind this and more such graffiti can be spotted if one goes around the sprawling campus."

Meanwhile, Students' Federation of India (SFI) leader Abhinaba Basu distanced his organisation from the slogans, stating, "We don't support secessionist views though we are against the repression of minorities in BJP-ruled states." He clarified that while SFI opposes the oppression of minorities, it does not align with separatist ideologies, though it holds a "clear stand" on the issue of Palestine.

Student and faculty organisations, including SFI, AIDSO, Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA), and All Bengal University Teachers' Association (ABUTA), strongly objected to the presence of plainclothes police officers on campus.

SFI leader Souryadipto Roy said that students became agitated when they saw police officers roaming the campus shortly after Mishra's arrival. He added that students raised slogans demanding an end to what they called intimidation by TMC and the state government. Roy emphasised, "We refuse to participate in any discussion with the university administration till police personnel leave."

As Jadavpur University continues to navigate through waves of protests and mounting tensions, the graffiti incident has added a new layer of controversy. With ongoing investigations and police action under way, the university administration is under pressure to restore normalcy while managing the competing demands of various student groups. The situation remains sensitive, with all eyes on how both the university and state authorities will respond to these developments in the coming days.