Jadavpur University Launches Inquiry After Student Panic Attack

Jadavpur University has formed a committee to investigate a first-year student's panic attack following questioning over a missing laptop. The committee will also review a medical superintendent's claims of being asked to provide a written undertaking before aiding the student. Last year's similar incident highlighted ongoing concerns at the institution.

Jadavpur University has established a four-member inquiry committee after a first-year post-graduate computer science student experienced a panic attack. This incident occurred amid questioning by other students regarding a missing laptop.

The student, who was hospitalized Wednesday night, has since been discharged. The decision to form the panel was made during an executive committee meeting led by the vice-chancellor and registrar. It includes two university representatives and external medical and legal experts.

The inquiry will determine whether the student faced threats or harassment from hostel mates and aims to clarify the incident's circumstances. Additionally, the panel will scrutinize claims by Medical Superintendent Mitali Deb, who alleged hostel boarders demanded a written undertaking from her before she could take the student to a hospital.

Ruling out ragging, university officials described the event as a misunderstanding, stating the laptop was eventually recovered. However, they expressed concern over the initial obstruction faced by Deb in assisting the student. Future incidents will see enhanced security measures for medical staff.

Notably, this inquiry follows last year’s tragedy involving a student’s death due to ragging and alleged sexual abuse, which led to multiple arrests.