Cops get clues of deceased JU fresher subjected to psychological ragging

Kolkata Police investigators have uncovered substantial evidence pointing towards the involvement of Sourav Chowdhury, a former M.Sc. mathematics student, in the distressing case of psychological ragging that led to the tragic demise of Swapnadip Kundu, a fresher at Jadavpur University (JU). Chowdhury was apprehended during the late hours in connection with this incident. Shockingly, not only did Chowdhury orchestrate the psychological ragging, but he also wielded authority over the arrangements at the student hostel, where the victim tragically fell from the balcony on August 10, resulting in his untimely death.

The role of university authorities is now under scrutiny, as it raises concerns about how a former student could have taken charge of administrative matters concerning the hostel. City police sources have revealed that, based on different accounts provided by witnesses, including hostel residents, the accused and his associates subjected the victim to repetitive and unnecessary "introduction sessions," during which he may have been subjected to distressing questions, ultimately affecting his emotional well-being.

Though there are doubts surrounding whether the victim was interrogated about his sexual orientation, given his assertions to hostel-mates the night before his demise that he was not gay, such questioning could have severely affected his mental state. Sonali Roy, a prominent advocate for queer rights and a counselor, emphasized that probing someone's sexual orientation can be deeply distressing and unfortunate, especially for a student of the esteemed Jadavpur University.

In addition to the ongoing police investigation, Jadavpur University has taken steps to initiate its own inquiry into the matter. A special committee, comprising faculty members from various departments and representatives from different student councils, has been established for this purpose. This committee, led by Subinoy Chakraborty, the dean of the science department at JU, is tasked with conducting an internal investigation, which is expected to be concluded within 15 days, culminating in a comprehensive report to the university administration.