Press release: 3^rd January 2013

Today, on the 3^rd January 2013, at the Prabhu Jagabandhu College in Andul, Howrah district, while picking up the nomination forms for the students union elections members of the Students Federation of India were attacked by Trinamool Chatra Parishad goons. When our members went to the police for help the police also turned on them and beat them up. 12 students have been hurt, 6 are in serious condition including 4 girls. After this when the students of the college blocked the road in protest they were ruthlessly lathicharged by the RAF. 10 people have been arrested, among whom 2 are common people who were just passing by and 8 are students including SFI state committee member Com. Rajesh Sekh. Note that two years ago on the 16^th December 2010 SFI leader Com. Swapan Koley was murdered in this very college.

Today in Bardhaman Kalna college a similar string of events unfolded. SFI students who had gone to pick up nomination forms for Students’ Union elections were attacked by outside goons of the TMC. After being ruthlessly beaten up 7 students had to be hospitalized with serious injuries.

We severely condemn this constant onslaught of violence surrounding Students’ Union elections and the State aided terror that is taking place. Tomorrow there will be state wide protests against this.

President

Students Federation of India

West Bengal State Committee