The West Bengal government has taken a strong stance on the hijab-related controversy that recently emerged at Jadavpur University (JU), with Education Minister Bratya Basu stating that such an incident cannot be allowed to recur in a state known for its pluralistic and secular ethos. The remarks come amid growing debate over the alleged treatment of a hijab-wearing student during a university examination and contrasting accounts offered by students and faculty members.

The controversy centres on an incident that reportedly took place during a third-year undergraduate English semester examination held on December 17 at Jadavpur University. According to members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) unit of the arts faculty, an invigilator allegedly asked a hijab-wearing student to assist a classmate in partially removing her headscarf. The purpose of the check, they claimed, was to ascertain whether the student was using a wireless headphone to cheat during the examination. The check reportedly did not uncover any electronic device or unfair means.

Following public attention and criticism, Jadavpur University Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharya constituted a three-member fact-finding committee on Monday to inquire into the matter. The committee has been tasked with examining all aspects of the incident and submitting its report within 30 days.

The panel includes Syed Tanveer Nasreen, a professor of history from Burdwan University; Subarna Kumar Das, a faculty member from JU’s department of library and information science and liaison officer of the university’s SC-ST Cell; and Padma Shri awardee Kazi Masum Akhtar, who serves as the chancellor’s nominee to the university’s executive council. Deputy Registrar Ujjwal Kumar Mondal has been appointed as the presenting officer for the inquiry.

In his first public response to the controversy, Education Minister Bratya Basu emphasised that the state government views the allegations with seriousness. “We have taken a strong view about the alleged incident. Such an action cannot be allowed, and necessary action needs to be taken at the earliest so that such incidents do not recur in Bengal, which is known for its pluralistic tradition and secular and liberal values,” Basu said.

The minister added that the government would await the findings of the relevant statutory bodies before taking a final position. “We will wait for the findings about the incident from the minority commission before responding,” he said, indicating that multiple institutions are looking into the matter.

When asked about senior faculty members of the English department who have denied the allegations, Basu said that all versions would be examined objectively. “That is their version. We can say only after ascertaining and examining all facts,” he said, reiterating that the inquiry committee formed under the direction of the vice-chancellor would play a crucial role in establishing the truth.

However, a section of the university’s faculty has strongly refuted claims that the incident was driven by religious bias or Islamophobia. According to some faculty members, the actions taken during the examination were part of routine vigilance measures implemented after several instances of cheating were detected in recent exams.

“We deny allegations of Islamophobia,” a faculty member said. “Several students were caught attempting to cheat during the exam, following which vigilance was tightened. If anyone’s conduct seemed suspicious, re-checking was carried out.” The faculty member added that at least four examinees were caught using headphones in the previous week and that none of them belonged to the minority community.

The same faculty member cautioned against drawing conclusions before the inquiry is completed, stating that Jadavpur University has a long-standing reputation for inclusivity and academic freedom. “JU will be the last place to be levelled with such charges as Islamophobia. If teachers are targeted in this manner, it would become impossible for them to carry out their duties,” the faculty member said.

The incident has sparked wider discussions on campuses and social media about the balance between exam security and respect for religious practices. Student groups have demanded clarity, accountability, and safeguards to ensure that students are not subjected to humiliation or discrimination in the name of vigilance.

As the fact-finding committee begins its work, all eyes are now on its findings, which are expected to shape the next course of action by the university administration and the state government. Until then, the issue remains a sensitive flashpoint, reflecting broader debates on religious freedom, institutional responsibility, and inclusivity in higher education spaces.