Jadavpur suicide case: Panel confirms 17-year-old student was ‘ragged’ before his death

In the latest development in the Jadavpur University suicide case, a committee has been set up to probe the death of a student on the institute’s premises, which confirmed that he was subjected to severe ragging and recommended punitive action against those who were involved in the crime.

Minor was ragged by students in Jadavpur suicide case: Probe committee

The committee submitted its report on Tuesday 25, days after the incident, suggesting the expulsion of four students and year-long suspension of several others, said the officiating vice-chancellor Buddhadeb Sau told news agency PTI.

“The report confirmed that the 17-year-old student was subjected to severe ragging by seniors on the night of August 9,” he said.

The minor student who hailed from Nadia district, had died in a hospital the next day due to the fatal injuries he suffered after falling off from the second floor of the boy’s hostel building.

Briefing about the report, the VC said, “The four, whose expulsion was recommended by the committee, were present during the August 9 incident. They have been arrested and their role in the incident was confirmed by the inquiry panel.”

The committee also suggested that the varsity should file FIRs against six former students who were overstaying in the hostel and played a role in the ragging, the official said.

13 arrested so far

These six are not among the 13 arrested in connection with the death of the 17-year-old Bengali department student, the VC said to PTI.

The committee further advocated that all borders of the A2 block of the Boys Main Hostel, from where the student fell, barring undergraduate first-year students of the university vacate it, he said. However, the recommendations have to be approved by the varsity executive council.

“Different quantums of punishment have been recommended by the committee. It too will be taken up with the executive council for consideration,” he said.

Moreover, the VC added, “We will, however, take immediate take steps to create new space for senior students so that freshers do not have to stay with them.”

The committee spoke to at least 150 people, including present and former students and hostel officials, before preparing the report, the official said.