The recent discovery of Rs 1 crore in cash within the students’ union room of Surendranath College, one of Kolkata’s oldest educational institutions, has ignited a significant controversy. The cash was found in two large boxes that were infested with termites, indicating prolonged storage. The room itself had remained locked for nearly a year following a Calcutta High Court directive in 2025 to close such rooms due to unregulated campus elections since 2019.

This closure came in the wake of a tragic incident involving the gang-rape of a 24-year-old student at another college. The reopening of the students’ union room was part of an initiative by the current BJP government aimed at auditing expenditures from students’ union funds. As cleaning efforts began in the room, additional controversial items were uncovered.

Additional Find: Furnished Bedrooms and More

The college authorities were reportedly taken aback by further discoveries, including two furnished bedrooms equipped with air conditioning, beds, and pillows. These rooms were described as “terrace facilities” allegedly inaugurated by the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration. Speculations have risen about their use by TMC leaders, including Debashis Bandyopadhyay and his son Shibashis, amidst claims that staff were allegedly compelled to provide massages in these rooms.

While Bandyopadhyay has denied any connection to the bedrooms, the situation escalated with the revelation of liquor bottles on the college rooftop and packets of condoms in the common room. Further investigation led to the recovery of a revolver concealed within the students’ union room, which was subsequently confiscated by the police.

Political Fallout and Allegations of Corruption

Ghosh pointed out the improbability of the union’s funds accumulated from student fees, estimating that it would be impossible for the union to gather such a significant amount solely through legal student contributions. With the BJP government instructing educational institutions to cease collecting student union fees on June 1, the situation continues to develop.

Speculations suggest these revelations could represent only a fraction of larger malpractices. Previous allegations of substantial fees being charged by student union leaders across various colleges have persisted over the years, with figures ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 cited as common charges for admissions.

Wider Context of Student Union Practices

The concerns raised by these findings are not unique to Surendranath College, as numerous reports have highlighted similar problems across campuses in West Bengal. While formal student unions may not currently exist due to a lack of elections, reports indicate that TMC leaders have continued to exercise influence significantly, charging fees for events and managing union activities. Such practices have reportedly undermined academic integrity, punishing students who do not align with union directives.

Accusations of intimidation against staff and students who oppose union policies have emerged, with claims suggesting that the students’ union has operated more as a private enterprise than a legitimate student association. These ongoing issues have led to an urgent call for audits and investigations into student union funds, with the potential for further significant findings to emerge in the coming weeks.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share