CCTVs Alone Won’t Curb Ragging: Jadavpur University Student Leaders Assert Amid Campus Concerns

New Delhi, August 14, 2023: In response to the push for installing CCTV cameras on Jadavpur University’s campus to curb ragging incidents, student leaders have voiced their concerns, emphasizing that cameras are not a comprehensive solution.

Subhodeep Bandyopadhyay, General Secretary of Kolkata SFI, stated, “CCTVs can only help in detecting who is the culprit. But CCTVs cannot help in stopping ragging.”

Highlighting the limitations of surveillance, Aafrin Begum, state committee member of SFI, referenced the Panchayat polls conducted under CCTV cameras that failed to prevent violence or yield arrests. Begum asserted that the focus on CCTV implementation is a diversion from the main issue.

Aafrin advocated for ex-students to vacate hostels, asserting, “After the incident, hostellers are finally getting united against them.” She further suggested that Undergraduate first-year students be placed in separate hostels following UGC guidelines.

Challenging the role of hostel supervisors, Aafrin questioned their awareness of ragging incidents and emphasized the need for identification, interrogation, and punishment of those involved.

Rejecting the notion that ragging is pervasive at Jadavpur University, Aafrin and Bandyopadhyay underscored their commitment to eradicating such practices. Bandyopadhyay stated, “We do not believe that any union supports or promotes ragging.”

The incident follows the tragic death of a first-year student, Swarnodip Kundu, who allegedly fell from a hostel balcony. This development led to heightened discussions about ragging prevention measures.

As the discourse on curbing ragging at Jadavpur University unfolds, student leaders emphasize a holistic approach involving awareness, disciplinary actions, and united efforts to create a safer campus environment.