Mystery shrouds death of former JU Pro-VC

Kolkata: The body of former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University Ashis Verma was recovered from his apartment in 41, Southern Avenue under Tollygunge police station on Saturday afternoon. Verma used to live alone in a room on the first floor of a G+2 storeyed building that served as the university government quarter.

"The victim was found lying on the bed in his room in an unconscious state. Apparently there was no external injury mark on the body. We have also recovered a suicide note after a thorough search of his room where he had mentioned about his loneliness," Deputy Commissioner (South) Meeraj Khalid said. According to police sources, the maid servant employed by Verma reached his apartment at around 12 noon and found that the door was open. As she entered the bedroom, she found the 55-year-old lying in an unconscious state. She immediately informed the neighbours who called up the Tollygunge police station. The anti-homicide section of the Kolkata Police's detective department also visited the spot. "We have sent the body for post-mortem at SSKM Hospital to ascertain as to how he died. We have informed his family members who live in Benares. They are expected to reach the city on Sunday," an investigating officer of Tollygunge police station said.

Verma had served as Pro Vice-Chancellor of Jadavpur University from November 2014 to November 2018. After his tenure at JU, he had joined Adamas University but had left his job after a few months.