The Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) has initiated an inquiry into the suicide of Gautam Kumar, a 25-year-old first-year MBA student. Kumar reportedly took his own life after being expelled from the hostel, leading to significant unrest among students. The university has formed a committee to investigate the incident and has removed the hostel warden involved.
Key Developments:
- Student Protest: Students have staged a sit-in outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, demanding justice and accountability. They are calling for the sacking of the hostel warden who ordered Kumar’s expulsion along with five others for alleged alcohol and narcotics use on September 14.
- University Response:
- Warden Removal: The university has relieved Professor from the University School of Law and Legal Studies (USL&LS) from his duties as hostel warden.
- Fact-Finding Committee: A committee has been set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death.
- Interim Measures: Vinay Shah, Assistant Professor from the University School of Chemical Technology (USCT), has been assigned as the interim warden.
- Ex Gratia Payment: The university will grant an ex gratia payment to Kumar’s family from the students’ welfare fund.
- Police and Legal Actions:
- WhatsApp Message: A message allegedly sent by Kumar before his death blaming the hostel warden has surfaced. The police are verifying its authenticity.
- Investigation Status: No FIR has been registered yet as no formal complaint has been received from the family. The focus remains on maintaining order on campus and conducting the internal inquiry.
Counseling and Support: If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the following helplines for support:
- Aasra (Mumbai): 022-27546669
- Sneha (Chennai): 044-24640050
- Sumaitri (Delhi): 011-23389090
- Cooj (Goa): 0832-2252525
- Jeevan (Jamshedpur): 065-76453841
- Pratheeksha (Kochi): 048-42448830
- Maithri (Kochi): 0484-2540530
- Roshni (Hyderabad): 040-66202000
- Lifeline (Kolkata): 033-64643267
