Kolkata, Aug 14: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken a significant step by sending a notice to the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the unfortunate death of a student at Jadavpur University. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students within the educational institution.
In addition to the notice sent to the state government, the NHRC has also directed its attention toward the university administration by issuing a notice to the Registrar of Jadavpur University. The move comes as a response to the tragic demise of a student and the circumstances surrounding it.
The incident involves a former student of Jadavpur University who continued to reside in the hostel. This individual was subsequently arrested on charges related to the alleged ragging of an undergraduate student, who tragically lost their life in what appears to be a case of suicide. The local police have initiated an investigation into the matter.
Identified as Sourabh Chowdhury, the former student completed his Master of Science degree in Mathematics in 2022. Initial findings from the police suggest that Sourabh had contacted his mother around 9 pm on a Wednesday, expressing his apprehension about something. Unfortunately, his phone was later switched off, and the investigation aims to determine if he had any further communication before the incident. The authorities have also examined the mobile phones of Sourabh’s roommates in an effort to gather more information.
The post-mortem examination report is anticipated to play a crucial role in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Sourabh’s death. The findings from this examination are expected to provide valuable insights that will aid the ongoing investigation.
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Amidst these distressing events, another student from Jadavpur University, Arpan Majhi, came forward on social media with a heartfelt post. Arpan, a first-year student at the university, alleged in a Facebook post that his friend Swapnodeep’s tragic passing was a result of ragging perpetrated by “a few seniors.” Arpan shared his own challenges of adjusting to hostel life due to economic constraints and mentioned his determination to find alternative accommodations despite the difficulties he faced.
This incident has triggered discussions around the prevalent issue of ragging in educational institutions. Ragging, a form of harassment and bullying, can have severe psychological impacts on students. The tragic consequences, in this case, highlight the urgent need for institutions to take stringent measures to prevent ragging and provide adequate support to students facing such challenges.
The NHRC’s intervention underscores the importance of addressing student welfare and ensuring that educational institutions maintain a safe and nurturing environment. The notices issued to both the state government and the university administration signify the accountability that authorities hold in safeguarding the well-being of students. This incident should serve as a reminder to reevaluate and strengthen anti-ragging policies and mental health support systems within educational institutions.
As the investigation unfolds, the hope is that transparency prevails and justice is served for the deceased student and their family. Additionally, it is a call for a collective effort to create an educational atmosphere that fosters growth, respect, and empathy, ensuring that no student feels threatened, bullied, or unsupported during their academic journey.
