8 days after Jadavpur ragging death, University to get CCTV cameras for main hostel

After an interval of eight days following the death of a minor student, Jadavpur University (JU) has initiated measures to improve campus safety and ensure accountability within its premises.

The university's administration issued a notice dated August 17, 2023, outlining a series of regulations in response to the death of a first-year undergraduate student on August 9. Although the contents of the notice aim to enhance campus security, they give the impression that such safeguards should have been in place regardless of the incident.

In the wake of the tragedy, one former student and two current students were apprehended by the police based on a letter from the victim addressed to the "Dean of Students," in which the three were accused of harassment. Subsequent investigations revealed troubling details of alleged ragging and harassment, highlighting a deeply concerning environment within the campus.

Yesterday (August 16), six additional students, apart from the previously arrested three, were presented before the court and remanded into 12-day police custody, as reported by The Telegraph.

As per India Today, a total of nine individuals have been arrested and questioned by the authorities in connection to the case.

ALSO READ: Opinion: Through hell and back in Jadavpur University

New security measures

• The university has instituted a time-based entry restriction for outsiders. According to the notice, no external individuals will be permitted to enter the campus before 7 am or after 8 pm.

• Those seeking entry during the restricted hours must possess a valid identification issued by the university. Individuals lacking a university-issued ID card must provide an alternative valid form of identification and register their details, including contact information and purpose of visit, at the campus entrance.

• In response to concerns about outsiders infiltrating the campus, vehicles entering must display a JU sticker issued by the university. Vehicles without such stickers must register before gaining entry. Furthermore, the driver/passenger of the vehicle must furnish a valid ID card upon request.

• Taking a firm stance against the use of narcotics, alcohol, and illegal substances, the university unequivocally prohibits such activities within its premises. Engagement in such acts, along with any other unlawful behavior, will result in legal prosecution, the notice underlines.

Installation of CCTV cameras

In addition to these measures, JU has also announced the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations on the campus, despite facing resistance from a group of students, including the Students Federation of India (SFI). Snehomonju Basu, the registrar of Jadavpur University, informed India Today that "CCTV cameras will be installed at strategic points like gates, main hostel campus gates, and adjoining university campus gates and streets."

ALSO READ: Days after Jadavpur ragging death, 3 arrested, SFI says no to CCTV in hostel

UGC demands detailed report

Expressing dissatisfaction with the University's initial report on anti-ragging efforts, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has requested a comprehensive report detailing the steps taken by JU to ensure student safety, as reported by The Telegraph.

Government-constituted fact-finding committee

According to ANI, the West Bengal Government established a four-member committee on August 17 (today) to conduct a fact-finding inquiry into the incident at Jadavpur University. The committee is anticipated to present its findings within a span of two weeks.

West Bengal Govt has constituted a 4 member fact-finding committee in connection with the death of a student of Jadavpur University. The committee will submit their report within two weeks. pic.twitter.com/l1kdwCx7Gr

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2023

This tragic incident has elicited widespread outrage and concern, leading to the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court last week. The court is scheduled to address the matter on August 21.