Bhubaneswar, 03 May (H.S.): Fresh allegations have surfaced in connection with the death of a first-year B.Tech student at a private engineering college in the Sikharchandi area, with the family accusing the institution of ragging and negligence, while the college administration has denied all charges.

The student’s mother alleged that her son was subjected to ragging and severe mental harassment on campus. She claimed that due to fear, he avoided eating at the hostel canteen and instead survived on sattu and food ordered from outside. According to her, he had been threatened, forcing him to remain confined to his room and spend most of his money on outside food. She further alleged foul play in her son’s death.

The student’s father, Basant Swain, has lodged a complaint at the Infocity police station, alleging that negligence on the part of the college authorities contributed to the incident. He stated that he had spoken to his son around 10 pm on the day of the incident, but was informed of his death within an hour, raising questions about the circumstances.

He also alleged that senior students had threatened and mentally harassed his son to the extent that he avoided attending classes. The father claimed that multiple complaints regarding ragging had been submitted to the college administration, but no action was taken.

Responding to the allegations, the college authorities refuted claims of ragging and negligence. Gopal Sahoo, Head of the Administrative Department of the institution, said the student’s death appears to be a case of suicide and that the matter is currently under police investigation. He maintained that there was no evidence of mental harassment and that hostel authorities had performed their duties appropriately.

Police have initiated an investigation into the incident, and further details are awaited.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda