'Police taken action, arrested one who spoke little harshly': Mamata Banerjee on Aliah University V-C abuse

Speaking at a meeting of administrative meeting, Banerjee said: “The police have taken action. Those who study at Alia University are all good. There may be resentment among the students. However, the police have arrested the person who spoke a little harshly.”

The West Bengal police on Sunday arrested the expelled student leader from the ruling  (TMC) for abusing and heckling the Vice-Chancellor of Aliah University, hours after facing flak from the Opposition as well as Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar.

The West Bengal Police had informed in a tweet that Giasduddin Mondal, the accused, has been arrested after a video of him hurling abuses at the VC became viral.

After being cornered by the opposition over the incidents in Rampurhat's Bogtui village and Aliah university,  the Bengal CM said: "It has become a tendency of oppositions to make a video viral. No one verifies theese viral videos."

"Several lies are being made viral. Oppositions plan them ahead to humiliate Mamata Banerjee," the CM accused on Monday.

Taking a dig at local news channels, Banerjee said, "Some new channels are flaring up matters unnecessary. I urge you to showcase positive reporting."

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor Mohammad Ali, who was harassed by the students, said that he did not want to return to Aliah. He wants to go back to the chemistry department at Jadavpur University.

In a video clip that went viral on social media, Mondal along with some others, presumably student leaders of the state university, was seen gheraoing Ali, abusing him, threatening him with slaps and even removing his shoes.

Governor Dhankhar, who is the Chancellor, had earlier tweeted, "Chief Secretary has been called upon to send full update by 1 PM tomorrow on worrisome scenario reflected in video in viral circulation. Such state of affairs where law violator rogue elements have their way with no fear of law is certainly fearful scenario for law abiders."

After the arrest, the Governor said, "Social Media input @WBPolice reveals Giasuddin Mondal arrest. There will be focus on the situation once there is update from Chief Secretary as such shameful incidents call for exemplary consequences and no cover up."

Facing massive criticisms, the TMC, which is under pressure over a series of events occurring in the state, had earlier disowned Mondal claiming he was expelled a few years ago.