Ragging cry after victim commits suicide

Statesman News Service
DURGAPUR/BOLPUR, 24 AUG: The death of a polytechnic student sparked off a sensation in Burdwan town today. The student (in photo right), Anirban Dutta (19), committed suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his residence in Nutan Pally locality in Burdwan town.

Anirban’s family members and neighbours alleged that Anirban was a victim of repeated ragging by seniors in a Siliguri-based polytechnic institution. The youth was a first-year civil engineering student.

According to Mr Atanu Dutta, Anirban’s father and a civil contractor by profession: “He was tortured several times by senior students last month and had returned home. I had to accompany him to the institute and stay there for a week with him, as he was scared of his seniors. I personally had met the principal and sought his intervention. He had assured me that action would be taken.” But, the college allegedly didn't take any initiative to protect the student.

Mr Probhat Chakraborty, inspector in-charge, Siliguri PS, told The Statesman: “Neither the parents nor the polytechnic authority have lodged any complaint of ragging.” The student returned home two days back and reported that he was being tortured by the seniors. Mr Dutta said: “He was looking depressed and I was very much disappointed by the college’s attitude as they remained indifferent even though the matter was brought to their notice.”

The Burdwan police have taken up the matter. The SP, Burdwan, Mr R Rajashekharan, said: “Burdwan police officials met the family members and we are expecting a complaint by this evening. The matter would accordingly be forwarded to the Siliguri police for proper action.”