The derogatory remarks surfaced on the Indian Statistical Institute campus just after Delhi blast on November 10.
KOLKATA – The Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) here is in turmoil after anti-Muslim graffiti appeared on campus walls, sparking widespread protests among students, researchers and faculty members and. The offensive remarks, which included messages like “Dogs and Muslims are not allowed in” and “This is the only place suitable for Muslims”, were found on the walls of the boys’ hostel and other areas of the campus.
The incident occurred on November 11, just hours after a blast near Red Fort in Delhi on Monday, and has been strongly condemned by the institute’s director, Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay. In a statement, Bandyopadhyay emphasised ISI’s commitment to promoting pluralism, academic excellence, and equality, and vowed to take strict action against those responsible for the hate speech.
“We are working to find the individual or group involved in the act. After the semester exams are over, we will take whatever remedial measures are needed, including counselling of those found to be involved,” she said.
Students have taken to social media to express their outrage and demand justice, with many calling for a thorough investigation and swift action against the perpetrators. The incident has sparked concerns about rising intolerance and communal tensions on Indian campuses.
The students also put up Article 15 of the Constitution at the main entrance of the hostel. A student said, “Throw your religious hatred here!”
Ranvir Kumar, a researcher was quoted by PTI as saying: “We took out a rally inside the campus on Friday against the attempts in some quarters to sully the image of ISI, an institution upholding the spirit of pluralism, secularism and unity in diversity.”
Apart from students and researchers, several faculty members also took part in the rally.
The ISI students have demanded stern action against those who wrote the hate messages.
