A major controversy has erupted at the University of North Bengal after the shocking disappearance of 44 rare manuscripts, believed to be around 500 years old, from the Bengali department's library. The incident has sparked outrage and deep concern across the university premises, with serious questions being raised about the role and accountability of the authorities.
The manuscripts, many of which were valuable records of auspicious poetry and folk traditions, were part of a collection of approximately 850 rare documents preserved in the Bengali department's library. The loss came to light when Professor Manjula Bera, who recently retired, handed over the library's charge to the new Head of the Department, professor Nikhilesh Roy.
According to Roy, discrepancies were found in the library’s register, particularly in the serial numbering of manuscripts, which led to a recount and the discovery that 44 manuscripts were untraceable. “This is a matter of national heritage. We convened an emergency meeting after finding the irregularity. Since a resolution could not be reached, another meeting has been planned,” he said.
The issue has led to accusations and counter-accusations between the former and current heads of the department. While Professor Roy has flagged inconsistencies in recordkeeping, Professor Manjula, defended herself strongly. “The allegations are baseless. I maintained the library with care and in the same condition it was handed over to me. These accusations are unnecessary,” she stated.
Despite the serious nature of the loss — which involves national cultural property — no official police complaint had been filed as of Saturday, raising further concerns over the university’s handling of the matter. A section of the Bengali department faculty has expressed frustration over the delay and silence, pointing out that immediate action is essential when dealing with such significant cultural theft.
Swapan Rakshit, Joint Registrar of the University, admitted awareness of the issue but claimed he had not received formal information from the department. “Once an official complaint is received, the matter will be taken to the police and investigated,” he assured.
The Bengali department’s library has long been known for its rare manuscript collection. In 1999, Manjula had taken charge of the library from then head Subodh Kumar Yash. Over the years, the condition of the library deteriorated, and by 2022, it was nearly abandoned. A restoration was later carried out and the manuscripts were said to have been preserved—until now.
With no resolution in sight and tensions rising within the department, the university community is calling for urgent action, including a transparent investigation and involvement of the police and heritage conservation authorities. As the case unfolds, the missing manuscripts serve as a grim reminder of how easily centuries-old cultural treasures can vanish without a trace.
Follow us
