Kolkata Engineering Student Files Police Complaint Over Brutal Ragging and Extortion
A first-year engineering diploma student at a private university in Salt Lake, Kolkata, has come forward with harrowing allegations of sustained ragging, physical assault, and extortion by a group of senior Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) students. The student, who hails from Bokaro in Jharkhand and is residing alone in Salt Lake for his studies, claims the abuse culminated in a demand for Rs 1 lakh, accompanied by death threats.
Detailed Account of Assault and Intimidation
According to the complaint filed at the Electronic Complex Police Station, the incident occurred on April 16 on the college campus. The student reported that he was intercepted near Gate 6 by second-year BCA students after completing an exam. He alleges they assaulted him with a belt and inflicted burns on his right bicep using cigarettes. The group then forcibly took him to a ground, where the assault continued, and he was made to record a video under duress, supposedly admitting to arranging the demanded money.
"These students have been harassing me for almost a year. They have been making caste-centric remarks and have regularly assaulted me. Because of this, I had to drop out of college for a year," the student told reporters. He further stated that the accused snatched his cellphone, accessed his bank account, and transferred Rs 430. Later, he was reportedly assaulted again by 8 to 10 youths.
Police Action and Ongoing Investigation
Based on the complaint, police have initiated a probe and arrested one of the individuals named in the FIR. Officers confirmed they are actively searching for two other accused who are currently evading capture. The student identified at least three attackers in his complaint, providing their names to authorities.
Efforts to contact officials at the institute for comment on the incident were unsuccessful, with no response received from the authorities as of late Sunday. The case highlights ongoing concerns about ragging and campus safety in educational institutions.
Broader Implications for Student Safety
This incident underscores the severe physical and psychological toll that ragging can inflict on students, particularly those living away from home. The allegations of caste-based harassment and financial extortion add layers of complexity to the case, raising questions about institutional oversight and support systems for vulnerable students.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are urging other potential victims to come forward and are emphasizing the legal consequences for such offenses. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent anti-ragging measures and prompt police intervention to protect student welfare.
