JU Student Death: BJP's Suvendu Adhikari Demands SIT Probe, Says 'People Close To CM Mamata Involved'

The BJP leader demanded an SIT formed under the leadership of a sitting judge and chargesheet be filed.

New Delhi: West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday alleged that people “close” to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee are involved in the case related to the death of the first-year Jadavpur University student and demanded an SIT probe into the matter, news agency ANI reported.

Speaking to the media, the BJP leader said, “People close to Mamata Banerjee are involved in this incident. She is giving protection to anti-national elements. We demand that SIT should be formed under the leadership of a sitting judge and chargesheet should be filed and punishment should be given to the accused... Mamata Banerjee should be removed democratically.”

Earlier last week, 19-year-old Bengali Honours student, Swapnadip Kundu, died after reportedly falling from the second-floor of the varsity’s main hostel, sparking allegations of ragging in the campus.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) earlier in the day south explanation from the university over the absence of CCTV cameras in the hostel premises. NCPCR chief Priyank Kanoongo also wrote to Manoj Malviya, DG of West Bengal Police, and sought necessary action into the incident. He also asked police to submit an action taken report to the commission with seven days.

“The Commission has come across news reports regarding death of minor first-year undergraduate student of Bengali Department of Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal, wherein it has been alleged that the victim student died after falling from the balcony of second floor of the main hostel building. According to reports, the family of the victim has alleged that their son was a victim of ragging. It has further come to the notice that the identified suspects allegedly forced Kundu to cut his hair in a specific style and subjected him to a humiliating “intro” session where he was asked to provide physical details to his seniors,” the NCPCR letter read.

“In view of the above, the Commission thereby requests your good offices to inquire into the matter and take necessary action. Further an action taken report may be submitted to the Commission within seven days of receipt of this letter,” it added.