On August 9, a 17-year-old male undergraduate student of Jadavpur University, Kolkata, passed away after falling from the second-floor balcony of the main boys’ hostel. This is a contemplated case of suicide and his family alleged sexual harassment and intense ragging by senior students and ex-students of the institute. A total of 13 people have been arrested pertaining to the case and an investigation is ongoing.
However, the investigation is currently heavily dependent upon testimonies because there were no CCTV cameras installed in the hostel premises where the incident took place. If there would have been CCTV footage, it could have acted as solid evidence in the case and the accused would have been identified easily. It is to be noted that the lack of CCTV cameras inside the hostel premises is a gross violation of UGC guidelines and the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights has demanded an explanation from the university.
As a means to prevent cases of ragging and harassment inside the hostels, the Jadavpur University administration has decided to install CCTV cameras at the entry and exit points of the hostels and the campus, reported India Today. The university has also prohibited the use of narcotic and alcoholic substances inside the campus.
However, students on the other hand are protesting against the installation of CCTV cameras inside the hostel premises. They are calling it a violation of their privacy and a matter of “state surveillance”. Students are carrying out protests inside the university campus and painting graffiti on the road.
When a journalist visited the campus to report on the ongoing protest, he spoke to a female student who claimed that it is their right to smoke and drink inside the campus because it is their “second home”. When asked who gave them the right to do so, she said, “No one is supposed to give me this right, I have this right.”
You can watch the video here:
This particular statement of hers has started a debate on social media. A lot of people highlighted that while drinking and smoking amongst students takes place in colleges and hostels across the country, it shouldn’t be normalised. Here’s a look at some of the responses:
Rights have limits, especially when they impact campus safety and the well-being of others. Everyone must adhere to guidelines, regardless of gender. Respect and responsibility are non-negotiable.
— Shahzeb Khan (@theshahzebkhan) August 19, 2023
as it is a second home for this person. ask her to sweep the floor nd also do mop …
and also charge property tax from such people
and also let them fight among themselves regarding who will inherit the property and how much.
shabash …
— Anuj (@Anujology) August 19, 2023
Jadavpur University is performing a very valuable service to society, by keeping such individuals away from real world influence and authority.
It is a modern day mental institution that self-selects inmates. My sincere thanks to Jadavpur University. https://t.co/HqmwHkumN2
— Rajeev Mantri (@RMantri) August 20, 2023
It must be great being an Indian citizen, knowing that you can’t breathe pollution free air or have a garbage free road around your house, and that your tax money goes to fund universities where students demand the right to drink and smoke on campus. https://t.co/JKWWRBtYKL
— Hardik Rajgor (@Hardism) August 19, 2023
And to think that Maharshi Aurobindo Ghosh was the first principal of this institution. Among the teachers were luminaries like Rabindranath Tagore and Radha Kumud Mukherjee.
Now kids want to drink in open because it is their god given 'right'. This goes on to show how far can… https://t.co/yjt2mnlIwe
— जेंडर फ्लूइड लाला (@Bihar_ke_lala) August 19, 2023
This is so ridiculous logic. As a Jadavpur University alumnus, I am aghast to listen to these bad logics propagated by these ill-witted folks. CCTV should be in place in public places and no public intoxication should not be allowed. https://t.co/ODqk6sqodl
— Swadhin | স্বাধীন (@swadhin_pradhan) August 19, 2023
This is a very old disease of #Jadavpur they will kill student but they will not let CCTV installation and also will do protest drama against the crime which is done by themselves ! #JadavpurUniversityStudentDeath https://t.co/VT3fVLYlq3
— A R P A N (@justarpan) August 19, 2023
Can somebody explain to these dungbrains that “rights” don’t mean you treat your college campus as your hostel.
No, your college or school campus is NOT supposed to be your home. Who TF have them that idea!!?? https://t.co/DeAdnWmhdq
— Rohit Raina (@RohittRaina) August 19, 2023
What are your views on this incident?