Jadavpur University professor found dead with deep cuts on neck and wrists in Uttarakhand

Kolkata: In a tragic incident, Mainak Pal, an associate professor of Philosophy at Jadavpur University (JU), was found dead in a hotel room in Uttarakhand. His sudden death has left his colleagues, students and family in profound shock.

44-year-old Pal, a resident of Bonhooghly, was on a trip to religious sites in Almora with his two friends. He was scheduled to return to Kolkata in Bagh Express and was staying in a hotel in Lalkuan town. The professor’s family, unable to reach him by phone on Friday evening, contacted the hotel reception and with the help of a carpenter, the room door was opened.

They found Pal lying in the bathroom with deep cuts on his neck and both wrists.

Initial police investigations suggest that Pal died by suicide. Although police are still waiting for the postmortem report, conducted on Saturday, his body was handed over to his family and he was brought back to Kolkata via road on Sunday.

Mainak Pal began his teaching career in 2009 after joining the West Bengal Education Service (WBES) as a Lecturer or Assistant Professor. He served at Jhargram Raj College and Government General Degree College at Mejia before joining Presidency University in 2015, where he worked for nearly seven years. In May 2022, he became an Associate Professor at Jadavpur University.

Pal graduated from Presidency College, University of Calcutta, and completed his post-graduation at Jadavpur University, securing First Class First in both degrees. He also earned his M.Phil. and Ph.D. from JU.

Pal’s exceptional academic record and distinguished career have left a lasting impression on his colleagues and students. Amitava Dutta, pro-vice chancellor of JU said: “It is unfortunate to lose a colleague and very painful. He was also a bright student of JU and a very good researcher and teacher. His department’s teachers and students are very shocked,” said Dutta. Partha Pratim Ray, General Secretary of Jadavpur University Teachers Association, added: “He was a very quiet, dignified person with a strong career. We can’t think of a reason why this happened.”

Debjyoti Konar, Registrar of Presidency University, remembered Pal as an approachable and beloved teacher: “Mainak joined Presidency soon after I became registrar. He was beloved by his students. It’s very unfortunate and we could not understand why and how this happened. His death is a significant loss to the education system. Mainak had the potential for great achievements in the future.”