By News18
The term “Dadagiri”, often used colloquially in Bengal, refers to a domineering or bullying attitude. Meanwhile, “threat culture” describes an environment where threats – whether real or perceived – dominate behaviour, decision-making, and communication.
Recent events across West Bengal have raised questions about whether the state is witnessing a rise in both Dadagiri and threat culture. From allegations of torture by Shahjahan Sheikh’s aides in Sandeshkhali, to threat culture at RG Kar Medical College, to Manojit Mishra’s alleged domination at South Calcutta Law College – a pattern seems to be emerging where certain individuals, emboldened by political affiliations and influential backing, act as though they are above the law.
Sandeshkhali
In Sandeshkhali, locals alleged that Shahjahan Sheikh, a strongman of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), and his aides forcibly converted agricultural land into fisheries, taking away bigha after bigha of farmland. Following public outrage and media attention, the state government took damage control measures and returned the land to its rightful owners.
In 2024, villagers in Bermajur, Sandeshkhali, gheraoed local TMC leader Ajit Maity, who was later arrested. A villager told News18, “Shahjahan, Siraj, and Ajit Maity took our land. We will teach them a lesson. Empower us, and we will get Shahjahan and teach him a lesson. They have tortured us, and we have no choice but to stand against them.”
This sentiment was echoed by many others.
Asutosh Ari, a resident of Bermajur, told News18, “They take money for everything. Even when government funds come into our accounts, we are forced to give them a cut. Otherwise, they threaten to strike our names off the lists.”
During the protests in 2024, a local toto driver told News18 that on the day Shahjahan would be arrested, he would offer free rides to everyone. Indeed, when Shahjahan and his aides were arrested, villagers celebrated by distributing sweets.
Experts say this clearly points to a culture of fear and torture. “These so-called ‘Dadas’ feel they are above the law and can do anything,” one expert commented. A senior retired police officer who has witnessed both the Left Front and TMC regimes told News18, “When political patronage crosses all limits, police and administration succumb to that power. This emboldens culprits to believe they can get away with anything. Anubrata Mondal using foul language against a police officer shows how far things have gone.”
RG Kar Medical College
Sandeshkhali is not an isolated case. At RG Kar Medical College, after the rape and murder of a young medical student, fellow students alleged that Principal (now suspended) Sandip Ghosh, along with a group of ‘Dada’ students, ran a threat culture on campus. Students claimed that bribes had to be paid to secure house internships, and threats were issued that anyone defying the ‘Dadas’ would risk failing their classes.
Sandip Ghosh is now in jail. Although the government and ruling party initiated damage control, experts say this culture of intimidation continues in various sectors. Several students were rusticated from RG Kar for allegedly practising this threat culture.
South Calcutta Law College Gang-Rape
The alleged gang-rape at South Calcutta Law College also reveals a similar pattern. Accused Manojit Mishra was reportedly so influential that he dared to assault police officers. Despite multiple criminal cases against him, he secured a casual job at the college.
BJP leader Minakshi Lekhi, who was from a fact-finding team of BJP, told News18, “This proves the criminalisation of politics in Bengal. How can someone with a criminal background get such a job? This shows the rot in the system.”
Students at the college told News18, “Everyone was scared of Mango Da (Manojit). He decided who would get what post. There is a student who hasn’t come to college for eight months out of fear of him.”
For years, college elections have not been held in Bengal, and students allege that institutions are now run by unofficial ‘Dadas’. Experts also point out that these ‘Dadas’ often have significant sources of income, combining money, political influence, and muscle power, leaving them with no fear of the law.
What Experts Say
Speaking to News18, political analyst Biswanath Chakraborty said, “Historically, Bengal has always had such vibes – people witnessed the dadagiri of the Left, and now they are seeing an even more uncontrolled form of dadagiri.”
“The reason behind this is money. Moreover, the mechanism of dadagiri is highly effective for mobilisation. Through a culture of threats, you can keep many people under your control without having to spend hours convincing them,” he said.
“This dadagiri culture has now become institutionalised. It is a vicious cycle,” Chakraborty added.
Another political analyst observing Bengal’s current scenario said, “This is high time for the ruling party to take corrective measures. Every time an incident occurs, it exposes these ‘Dadas’. Simply condemning such incidents and punishing the individuals after the damage is done will not help. The party must identify and curb such elements before incidents happen.”