Who Is Sayan Lahiri? The ‘Insignificant’ Protest Leader Behind Kolkata’s ‘Nabanna Abhijan’

Sayan Lahiri, a leader of the Paschim Banga Chhtra Samaj, was granted bail by the Calcutta High Court after leading 'Nabanna Abhijan' protest.

Kolkata Rape-Murder Case: The Calcutta High Court on Friday granted bail to Sayan Lahiri, leader of the Paschim Banga Chhtra Samaj. Lahiri who reportedly organised the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ (March to state secretariat) on August 27 to protest the alleged rape-murder of the trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. He was detained the evening of protest for his active involvement in leading the rally, which, according to the police, escalated into violence. The unrest resulted in damage to both public and private property and assaults on police officers. 

According to PTI, Justice Amrita Sinha noted that Lahiri seems to be ‘absolutely insignificant character’ with no influence "in the massive cry for justice in the aftermath of the RG Kar incident." She said that to maintain public trust in the justice system, he should be granted bail. Who exactly is this ‘insignificant’ student leader that Bengal police arrested and imprisoned? 

Who Is Sayan Lahiri 

Sayan Lahiri is a spokesperson for the West Bengal Student Society, an unregistered student group that claims to be non-political. They organized a press conference to promote the Nabanna march and urged as many people as possible to join. Lahiri stated that the rally was not affiliated with any major political party but was organized by a platform. 

Sayan Lahiri studied at Rabindra Mukta University and later attended the Regent Education and Research Foundation Group of Institutions. He has previously served as the principal of Pranabananda Vidya Mandir and has been a former Business Development Officer at EFEDRA Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. Before that, he worked at Cipla. 

According to media reports, Sayan Lahiri is in an open relationship with a young woman named Devolina Roy. A search of their profiles on social media reveals several posts, including numerous romantic pictures of Devolina with Sayan. Additionally, their social media walls feature many videos and photos related to the protests following the Kolkata rape case.

Anjali Lahiri, mother of Sayan Lahiri, submitted a petition to the High Court seeking bail for her son and the annulment of legal actions taken against him. The court granted the bail, with the release set to occur by 2 PM on Saturday.

What The Calcutta HC Said 

The court instructed the state to submit an affidavit addressing the petitioner’s claims by September 20, with the petitioner required to respond, if necessary, by October 4. 

Justice Sinha issued an order restraining the police from taking any coercive measures against Sayan Lahiri related to his current arrest or any other cases without prior court approval. 

"Had the RG Kar incident not occurred, there would not have been the existence of the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj," the court said, PTI reported.

In issuing its order, the court noted that the Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj lacks legal recognition and is a spontaneous student group supported by the public, reacting to the RG Kar incident. Justice Sinha highlighted that the protests have gained widespread national attention, with thousands of ordinary people participating and transcending social and geographical boundaries.