'You'll die here': Assam student assaulted at MP university hostel
What's the story
A 22-year-old postgraduate student from Assam, Hirosh Jyoti Das, was allegedly assaulted at the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Madhya Pradesh's Annuppur district. According to Das, the incident took place on January 13, when a group of students entered his hostel room while he was in the bathroom around 3:00am. "I told them this was my room, but they began asking me questions about my background," he said in his statement.
Incident report
Assault details and university's response
The assailants, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, questioned Das about his background. When he identified himself as an Assamese student, they continued their interrogation. "I told them I had completed my graduation and was pursuing a PG course here. One of them said, 'You will die here'," he said. Das alleged that his hands were tied and he was beaten repeatedly. "They kicked me and punched me in my face," he told cops.
Aftermath actions
Medical treatment and police investigation initiated
His roommate initially mistook the situation for an NCC activity but soon realized what was happening and tried to intervene. "My roommate tried to save me, but I was already bleeding from my mouth," Das said. After the assault, Das was first treated at the university dispensary before being shifted to a district hospital in Gaurela, Chhattisgarh for further treatment. The police have registered a case against five students but no arrests have been made yet.
Disciplinary action
University expels students, refers case to disciplinary committee
In light of the incident, IGNTU has expelled six students involved in the assault and referred the matter to its disciplinary committee. A university spokesperson said, "Immediate action was taken. The students have been expelled from the university, and the case has been forwarded to the Disciplinary Committee for further inquiry." The local police have also been notified for legal proceedings.
Public outcry
Political reactions and campus protests follow assault incident
The incident has sparked protests on campus, with students demanding strict action against the assailants. Leader of the Opposition Umang Singhar alleged that some youths associated with the ruling party consume drugs on campus and assault students. He accused university administration of only taking token action. The Congress and RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad also condemned the atmosphere at IGNTU, calling it a haven for "anti-social elements, drunkards and junkies."