A group of students and representatives of tribal organisations hit the streets in Malda on Thursday, protesting the alleged ragging in a hostel of North Bengal University which, they claimed, instigated a tribal student to commit suicide.
On Monday, Uttam Mardi, 22, from Gazole block of the district, took his own life at home. He was a first-year history PG student at NBU, and had returned home earlier this month after spending a few days in the varsity hostel.
After his death, his family filed a complaint with the local police and with the varsity vice-chancellor. Uttam took such a drastic step as he was upset with the ragging he faced, they alleged.
On Thursday, leaders and supporters of Bharat Jakat Majhi Pargana Mahal, and a group of students, took out a joint rally in Malda. They walked up to the office of the superintendent of police and submitted a memorandum seeking justice for Uttam.
“It is a serious issue. A tribal student killed himself as he failed to bear the torture of seniors at the hostel. We want justice for him and punishment of all those who abetted him to commit suicide,” said Bapi Soren, a tribal leader.
Police sources said that based on the complaint filed by Uttam’s family they had already initiated a probe.
A six-member team from Gazole police station reached Siliguri —NBU is on the outskirts of the city — for an investigation.
“They visited the varsity, spoke with officials, the hostel warden and some hostel inmates to try and know what exactly transpired in the hostel,” said a senior police officer.
Uttam's family members said they emailed chief minister Mamata Banerjee and state education minister Bratya Basu about the incident.
“We want a proper probe into the circumstances that caused Uttam's death. The police should scan his phone for information,” said Jonas, Uttam’s uncle.