Former Jadavpur University Students Threaten Hostel Guards, Ragging Accused Implicated
In a concerning incident at Jadavpur University (JU) in Kolkata, the superintendent of the A1 and A2 blocks of the Main Hostel has reported that former students forcibly entered the premises on Tuesday night and threatened security personnel. The situation escalated when the guards requested the individuals to sign the entry register as per protocol.
Details of the Hostel Gate Confrontation
According to the superintendent's letter to university authorities, around 9 PM on Tuesday, five former students misbehaved with the security guards stationed at the Main Hostel gate. Among them was a former student from the international relations department, who had been previously accused in a 2023 ragging case involving a fresher from the Bengali department. When instructed to sign the register for entry, this individual refused and issued threats, asserting, "this is the gate of the Main Hostel, and not the university."
The accused student, who was in his second year in 2023, faced disciplinary action including a one-semester suspension and permanent debarment from the hostel. However, he has since moved court to challenge these measures. This event highlights ongoing issues with former students residing in hostels, a problem that gained attention after the August 2023 ragging incident.
Persistent Problem of Ex-Students in Hostels
An internal probe panel at JU discovered that during the 2023 ragging case, 28 former students were illegally staying in the Main Hostel. As a result, six former students and six current students were arrested and remain in judicial custody. In a separate communication, the hostel superintendent noted that two ex-students are currently residing in the A1 block and have repeatedly refused to vacate despite warnings.
A hostel source revealed that while the number of such individuals has decreased, the issue persists. "Some ex-students arrive at night, occupy various rooms, or depart by midnight. Recently, a few students were caught harboring a first-year student; they later apologized," the source stated.
University Authorities Promise Strict Action
Vice-Chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee confirmed receiving complaints about former students staying in the hostel. He emphasized, "Only valid boarders will be permitted to reside in the hostel. We are committed to taking strict action against any irregularities." The university has directed the anti-ragging squad to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Bhattacharjee added that if necessary, he and the registrar will personally visit the hostel to assess the situation. "Should the problem persist even after our intervention, we will implement stringent measures to ensure compliance and safety," he assured.
