JU research scholars stage protest after being 'manhandled by outsiders'

Kolkata: Research scholars residing in a hostel inside the Jadavpur University campus staged a demonstration on Tuesday morning, after being allegedly manhandled by some outsiders who had come at the hostel room of two senior research scholars on Monday night. The research scholars of the new Post Graduate Research Hostel demanded action against the offenders and better security to prevent entry of outsiders in hostels, particularly at night.

It was only after university Registrar Sneha Manju Basu visited the hostel and assured strong action and strengthening of security measures, that the research scholars lifted their agitation.

"We have formed an inquiry committee led by the Dean of Students and three other university professors, who are members of the varsity welfare board. They have been asked to submit a report in seven days. The university will take strong action against those involved in the incident," the Registrar said, adding that she, along with the Joint Registrar, have already submitted their observation about the incident to the probe committee.

The university authorities have also lodged a police complaint in this connection. "There has been more than one occasion in the recent past, when outsiders have entered hostels and indulged in such acts of nuisance. The peaceful academic ambience as well as our security is at stake," alleged Subhankar Roy, a research scholar.

According to university sources, 61 research scholars stay at the hostel, among whom two are senior research scholars who have been staying there for the last three years. A number of boarders were studying on Monday night, with their examination scheduled on Tuesday.

Some outsiders had come to the rooms of these senior research scholars and were allegedly indulging in nuisance over consumption of ganja and liquor. The boarders urged them not to make so much noise as their act was disturbing their studies. They refused to pay heed and allegedly manhandled the boarders in an inebriated state.