Jadavpur University faces fresh ragging allegations as PG student speaks out

A postgraduate student at Jadavpur University on Wednesday has brought fresh allegations of harassment against senior students of the boys' main hostel, reigniting concerns over the prevailing ragging culture on campus. The controversy follows the recent death of a student, allegedly a victim of ragging, prompting the university to take stringent measures against six students involved in the incident.

The postgraduate student, hailing from the Department of Philosophy, lodged a complaint with the Dean of Arts over email, detailing instances of mental torture and ill-treatment. The student cited that that he was subjected to various forms of mental torture and ill-treatment after the hostel mess committee assigned him the task of procuring essentials from the local market. Additionally, the student requested a transfer to another hostel within the campus, away from the specific block where the alleged harassment occurred.

Acting Vice-Chancellor Buddhadeo Shaw acknowledged the complaint, stating that the university's anti-ragging committee is actively investigating the matter. The Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA) has voiced concern and called for a swift and effective investigation to eradicate the menace of ragging.

The campus has been grappling with the aftermath of a tragic incident in August, where a first-year undergraduate Bengali student fell from the second-floor balcony of the main hostel, succumbing to injuries the next day. Thirteen individuals, including six graduate students, have been arrested in connection with the incident.