In August, a devastating incident occurred at Jadavpur University in Kolkata, West Bengal. A first-year student lost their life after falling from a second-floor hostel balcony, leaving the entire university community in shock and sorrow. The circumstances surrounding this tragic event remain shrouded in mystery, prompting swift action from university authorities to ensure the safety and security of all hostel residents.
Stringent Guidelines for Hostel Residents
The Dean of Jadavpur University has issued new guidelines that mandate strict rules for hostel residents. One of the key provisions is a curfew, which requires all hostel residents to be inside the hostel premises by 10 PM. If a student needs to leave the hostel during this time, they must obtain prior permission from the hostel superintendent. These rules align with the existing university hostel regulations, which were provided to all boarders upon their admission to the hostel.
The official notice states, “The boarders shall in no case remain outside the hostel after 10 pm and must take prior permission from the concerned hostel superintendent in case of absence from the hostel as per the existing university hostel rules, which was served to each of the boarders at the time of admission to the hostel.”
Visitor Regulations
In addition to the curfew, the notice specifies that residents may only stay in designated areas when hosting visitors. Visitors are required to carry identification proof and register their names, along with their addresses and mobile numbers, in the hostel visitors’ entry register located at the hostel entrance. This registration process is supervised by security personnel to ensure compliance.
Residents are also obligated to carry their hostel identity cards at all times and present them to security personnel upon request. This measure is aimed at ensuring that the identities of residents and non-residents are known and accounted for, further enhancing security on the premises.
University Employees’ Identification
Furthermore, to facilitate smooth entry and exit from the hostel premises, mess and hostel employees residing in the quarters of the main hostel have been instructed to carry their university identity cards. This additional layer of identification ensures that only authorized personnel are allowed access to the premises, contributing to the overall safety of the residents.
Legal Action in Response to Tragic Events
In a deeply disturbing revelation, the police investigation into the incident revealed that the deceased first-year student had been subjected to a humiliating ordeal of being “paraded naked” just moments before the fatal fall. In light of these shocking findings, 12 students have been apprehended in connection with the case. They are set to be charged under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment to pursuing justice.
As the university community mourns the loss of a promising young student, these newly implemented safety measures serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing the security and well-being of all hostel residents. While the circumstances of the tragedy remain a painful enigma, these guidelines aim to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, ensuring that every student feels safe and protected within the university’s hostel premises.