Jadavpur University student death: UGC pulls up varsity for ‘generic’ anti-ragging report

(Left) West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu speaks to the media after meeting with the deceased’s family, on Wednesday. Pic/PTI

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has reprimanded Jadavpur University for submitting a "generic" report on the alleged ragging and sexual harassment of a first-year student leading to his death, according to sources. The UGC had sought a factual and action-taken report from the varsity after the 17-year-old student died after falling from a second-floor balcony of a hostel last week. His family alleged he was a victim of ragging.

"The report was found to be generic in nature. It basically mentioned the reactive approaches adopted in the matter rather than proactive measures taken to curb the menace of ragging," a source told PTI. The UGC has further sought a compliance report on 12 queries it had raised and documentary evidence within a day.

Meanwhile, the West Bengal government has formed a four-member committee to probe into the administrative lapses connected with the death of the student. The committee has been asked to submit its report in two weeks, said officials. With the police finding the alumni's involvement in the alleged ragging of the deceased student, the university on Thursday made identity cards mandatory for visitors at night. Registrar Snehamanju Basu said the varsity has also given contracts for installation of CCTV cameras at strategic points, including at the gates.

Student, slapped by teacher, hospitalised

A Std VI student of a government school in Delhi was hospitalised days after he was allegedly slapped by a teacher over forgetting to bring his Hindi textbook, police said on Thursday. Sadul Hasan had also allegedly pressed the boy's neck, cops said. Police booked Hasan after receiving a call on Saturday from GTB Hospital that a 12-year-old boy had been admitted after he was beaten up by his school teacher on August 7.

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