The All Bengal Principals’ Council (ABPC) wants the existing security arrangements in all colleges to be improved, the demand coming after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Calcutta.

Sources said representatives of the council’s units at the North Bengal University and Cooch Behar Panchanan Barma University had discussed the issue at length on Friday and believed that security, especially around the girls’ hostels, needed special attention from police.

“We have discussed at large and would like to improve the existing security arrangements in all college premises. We request the police administration to inform local police stations to start vigilance around the college adjacent areas. The area adjacent to the girls hostels needs the special attention of the police force round the clock,” a statement signed by Dr Samirendra Sarkar and Dr Pankaj Kumar Debnath, the secretaries of the councils units at the NBU and the Cooch Behar varsity, respectively.

Sources said once day and night guards retired, recruits were not posted at colleges.

“In such a situation, many colleges post guards sourced from security agencies. While the colleges need to be more vigilant, we also want the administration to keep a vigil concerning security on the campus,” said a source.

The heinous crime in Calcutta has captured significant attention and concern
from different sections of society at large and across geographic locations.

“ABPC sincerely condemns this heinous crime committed by criminals and against society at large. We demand exemplary punishment for those involved in this crime,” the statement further said.

People from different walks of life continue to bring out rallies almost every day seeking punishment for those involved in the crime.

Police sources maintain that the forces have stepped up vigil and are reaching out to people daily with senior officials leading the way.

“The Darjeeling Police Winner Team (consisting mostly of women personnel) is actively patrolling schools, hospitals, malls and shops across the city to ensure the safety and security of women,” said a police source.

Teams led by senior police officials have also started an outreach programme.