KOLKATA: A postgraduate student of Jadavpur University has written to the dean of students alleging that he was verbally abused by senior students and is no longer feeling safe in the university’s main hostel. The student has appealed for accommodation on the campus.
This comes after a first-year undergraduate student died after he was allegedly ragged at the main hostel in August. The university has asked the anti-ragging squad to probe the complaint.
Student’s Allegations and Appeal for Accommodation
In his letter to the dean, the student alleged that he was held responsible for the poor quality of meals in the hostel. He stated that senior students verbally abused him for this, triggering a trauma. The student also claimed that he was threatened with removal from a post and warned that he would be “taught a lesson” because of his attitude.
The student expressed his apprehension about staying in the main hostel under these circumstances and requested to be moved to a hostel inside the campus. He emphasized that it is not possible for him to continue his studies while staying outside the hostel (renting PG accommodation).
University’s Response and Minister’s Comments
Jadavpur University officiating vice-chancellor Buddhadeb Sau stated that the anti-ragging squad of the university has been asked to investigate the complaint and await their report.
Education minister Bratya Basu acknowledged the university’s inaction against those found guilty of ragging in the previous case. He explained that the department is in a tussle with the chancellor and cannot intervene in these cases. However, he indicated that if the administrative setup changes in the university, the department would offer suggestions upon request.
Teacher’s Hunger Strike and Concerns Over Inaction
In a significant development, Iman Kalyan Lahiri, a professor in the international relations department, staged a day’s hunger strike on the campus last Thursday to protest the university’s alleged failure to punish the students found guilty in the internal probe.
JU teachers also expressed their concerns over the “inordinate delay” in punishing the students found guilty. Parthapratim Ray, the general secretary of the association, stated that complaints of ragging have recurred because the university authorities could not take action against those who were found guilty in the probe into the previous complaint.
Conclusion
The latest ragging complaint at Jadavpur University highlights the persistent issue of ragging and the university’s apparent lack of effective measures to address it. The incident raises concerns about the safety of students and the university’s responsibility to protect them from harassment and intimidation.