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Anti-Muslim Graffiti: A day after at least 13 people died in a car bomb explosion in the country’s capital, anger spread among students when anti-Muslim graffiti was found at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) in Kolkata. The hostel walls and doors were written with ‘Muslims and dogs should not enter the premises’ and ‘No dogs and Muslims’. This means Muslims and dogs are not allowed here.
Hostel written: No entry for Muslims and dogs
When students saw this graffiti on Tuesday morning, November 11, at CV Raman Hall – which is a boys’ hostel for graduate and postgraduate students – there was quite an uproar. One part of the main gate already had ‘Dog shouldn’t enter the premises’ written on it. Someone added ‘Muslim’ above it with white chalk, making the complete message now read that Muslims and dogs should not enter the premises.
This written on dustbin
In many places, ‘No Muslims Allowed’ was also seen written. According to media reports, a college dustbin had writing stating that this is the only place for Muslims. The people who carried out this act didn’t spare the stairs of the East Wing either, writing “No Dogs and Muslims” there as well.
According to reports, students stated that this graffiti was written between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. Students who went out for tea at 6:30 AM didn’t see it, but those who came out at 7:30 AM saw this writing. These pictures were then posted on WhatsApp groups.
What did the institute say?
In the afternoon, students made verbal complaints. The director of ISI Kolkata, the dean, and the hostel warden inspected the site with students. According to reports, students said they demanded an investigation and stated that the accused might be visible in the CCTV at the hostel gate. They requested to see the footage, but the administration refused. The administration only said they would investigate.
Anger among Muslims
After pictures of this went viral on social media, anger is visible among Muslims. College hostels are considered safe, but if such acts can happen there and no one can be identified in the CCTV footage, then how safe are their children there?