Language Dispute Sparks Violence

Calcutta University students residing at Carmichael Hostel faced a brutal attack near Sealdah Bridge, instigated by a language dispute. The altercation began when Hindi-speaking hawkers taunted the students for speaking Bengali, labeling them as Bangladeshis. This verbal confrontation quickly escalated into violence, with the hawkers resorting to using rods, hockey sticks, and knives.

Escalation from Negotiation to Assault

The incident originated from a disagreement over price negotiations. What started as a routine exchange turned hostile when the hawkers began mocking the students’ language. The situation deteriorated rapidly as tensions flared, leading to a physical assault that left four students seriously injured.

Serious Injuries and Community Impact

The attack resulted in significant injuries to the students, highlighting the severe consequences of linguistic and cultural intolerance. This incident has sparked outrage within the community, raising concerns about safety and the need for greater understanding and respect among diverse linguistic groups.

Implications for Student Safety

The violent episode underscores the urgent need for improved security measures around university areas. It also calls attention to the broader issue of linguistic discrimination, urging authorities to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect for all languages and cultures.