Students and staff members said that in an unfortunate occurrence, an engineering student at the National Institute of Technology, Durgapur (NIT Durgapur) committed suicide as a result of administrative oversight and medical incompetence. Arvind Choubey, the director of NIT Durgapur, acknowledged the accusations of inadequacy in a letter of resignation he sent after the incident.
Arpan Ghosh, a second-year student studying mechanical engineering, was discovered hanging inside his dorm room on Sunday evening. Many institute students stated that the student's severe action was the result of carelessness and pressure from their studies. Furthermore, students complain of inadequate medical facilities on campus, including the absence of an ambulance.
Students have alleged that Arpan was denied an examination after he forgot to bring his admit card. Arpan then went into his room, and his body was recovered. Students further alleged that Arpan was alive when he was recovering, but a lack of oxygen cylinders in the ambulance and several formalities delayed treatment, and subsequently he died.
Facing pressure from the protesting students, Choubey signed a ‘resignation letter’ that was then sent to the Union Ministry of Education. In the resignation letter, the head of the institute wrote: “I, Arvind Choubey, as the Director of NIT Durgapur, hereby take complete responsibility for whatever happened today 28th April, 2024.”
“The NIT Durgapur community has lost one of its beloved members, Arpan Ghosh from Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2nd year. He unfortunately passed away due to medical negligence and inadequacy on the behalf of NIT Durgapur institution. Hence, I hereby resign from the post of Director, NIT Durgapur with immediate effect as on date 28/04/2024,” the letter read.
Jay Gupta, the head of research and development at NIT Durgapur, expressed his profound sadness on social media: “This devastating event echoes a similar tragedy in 2016, underscoring systemic failures that demand urgent attention. Yet, little has changed since then. We call for accountability, urging the resignation of the director, whose actions have only exacerbated the situation. From undermining student welfare by dissolving essential bodies like the Gymkhana to disregarding student voices by canceling cultural events, the director's decisions have only added to the distress.”
“In the face of tragedy, the director's dismissive response is unacceptable. His callous remarks only amplify the need for compassionate leadership and meaningful change within our institution. It's time to prioritize student well-being, foster an environment of open dialogue, and ensure accountability at every level. Our students deserve better, and it's imperative that we act now to prevent such tragedies from recurring,” he added.
The police have initiated a case and are currently investigating the matter.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Krisha Shah/MSM)
