Arnab Dam, a jailed Maoist leader, is on the verge of enrolling in a PhD program at Burdwan University after securing the top position in the admission test. Despite being imprisoned, Dam’s academic aspirations have garnered support from state authorities, facilitating his transfer to a correctional home closer to the university to enable his participation in the program.
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- Arnab Dam, a jailed Maoist leader, topped the PhD admission test at Burdwan University.
- He is expected to enroll in the PhD program after overcoming initial administrative delays.
- The state government intervened to facilitate Dam’s enrolment, transferring him from Hooghly Jail to Burdwan Correctional Home on July 14, 2024.
- Correctional Administration Minister Akhil Giri confirmed the transfer and assured security for Dam’s university visits.
- TMC leader Kunal Ghosh supported Dam’s academic pursuit, emphasizing the positive societal impact.
- Burdwan University paused the counselling process for all prospective students, including Dam, on July 8.
- Dam began a token fast in protest of the delay, which he ended after his transfer to Burdwan Correctional Home.
- Despite ranking first among approximately 220 candidates, there were concerns about Dam attending mandatory coursework due to his imprisonment.
- Dam has a history of academic excellence, having earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in history from IGNOU and clearing the State Eligibility Test (SET) while in prison.
- He was arrested in 2012 for his involvement in the 2010 Silda EFR camp attack and is serving a life sentence.
