A postgraduate student from the film studies department of Jadavpur University has lodged a complaint, alleging serious harassment and threats by a group of engineering students in the main hostel of the university. According to sources, the incident had taken place on March 18, which has prompted the university administration to take steps to conduct an inquiry

Based on the complaint, the student visited a friend's room in the A1 block of the main hostel on the evening of March 18. After his friend left for an iftar party at about 5 p.m., two fourth-year engineering students approached him, accusing him of defaming hostel residents by criticizing ragging. The student claims that the said persons, with others, harassed him verbally on a round-the-clock basis for more than four hours. He was purportedly forced to compose and put up an apology message on social media for his earlier post that he had put up a year ago criticizing ragging activities. In addition, he claims that he was intimidated by threats against his mother unless he obeyed.

The student filed official complaints with the vice-chancellor, registrar, and anti-ragging committee of the university on March 19. Officiating Vice-Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta confirmed receipt of the complaint and said, "An inquiry committee was set up promptly. The matter is being thoroughly investigated."

This event has reopened questions regarding campus security and the continuance of ragging at Jadavpur University. Particularly, one of the students accused was involved in a preceding ragging case back in August 2023, where a first-year student died following reports of intense ragging and sexual harassment. Legal proceedings against that student were stalled as he had challenged the university's disciplinary actions in court.

The university campus has been shocked and condemned by the occurrence of such events. The 17-year-old student who passed away in 2023 was condemned by his father, who said, "It is shameful and shocking. Even after the death of an innocent soul, these events happen. This is extremely condemnable."

Following the recent allegations, the anti-ragging committee of the university has begun its probe. The administration has reaffirmed its determination to provide a secure and friendly environment for all students and has appealed to anyone with information about the incident to report it.

While the investigation is ongoing, the university community is waiting for further updates and is stressing the necessity of strict measures to eliminate the evil of ragging from the campus