Clear Case Of Ragging: Calcutta HC Directs IIT Kharagpur To File Report Following Unnatural Death Of Third-Year Student

The Calcutta High Court has directed the Director of the IIT Kharagpur to file a report before the Court following the unnatural death of one Faizan Ahmed who was a student of third year in IIT, Kharagpur.

Terming it a clear case of ragging, Justice Rajasekhar Mantha also requested the Additional Superintendent of Police, Paschim Medinipur to leave no stone unturned and explore every avenues to ascertain the truth behind the death of Faizan Ahmed.

Advocate Ranajit Chatterjee represented the petitioners whereas Senior Standing Counsel Amitesh Banerjee represented the State. Advocate R.N. Majumder represented IIT.

This comes after a writ petition was filed challenging the investigation into the incident.

The Counsel for the petitioners pointed out a large number of discrepancies in the investigation into the crime.

The writ petitioners also filed a supplementary affidavit. The Court observed an email annexed to the supplementary affidavit addressed by a team of RPH wardens to the students of IIT Kharagpur.

The Court noted that there is a mention of serious complaints from Second Year Under-Graduate students of being physically and mentally harassed by a group of seniors.

"This Court is interested to know as to what steps have been taken by the said wardens and the Management of the IIT, Kharagpur after receipt of information of what appears to this Court to be a clear case of "ragging".", the Court said.

Earlier on November 3, 2022, the Court had observed that the Superintendent of Police shall look into as to whether the guidelines of the Supreme Court of India as regards anti ragging guidelines of the Supreme Court were in place in the Hostels concerned of the IIT, Kharagpur.

On November 10, 2022 the Court observed that the 'warning' issued to the students involved in ragging does not appear to be in consonance or in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court.

The matter has been adjourned to November 22, 2022 for further consideration.

Cause Title- Salim Ahmed & Anr. v. The State of West Bengal & Ors.

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