Is Foul Play Suspected in the Death of a Jadavpur University Student?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Father's Allegations: The father suspects foul play in his daughter's death.
- NCW Involvement: The National Commission for Women has requested a report from the Kolkata Police.
- Campus Safety: Jadavpur University tightened security and imposed new restrictions.
- Investigation Ongoing: Police await further reports to clarify the circumstances of the death.
- Friends' Testimony: Friends claim they warned the victim against entering the pond.
Kolkata, Sep 15 (NationPress) Following the recent request from the National Commission for Women (NCW) for an Action Taken Report from the Kolkata Police Commissioner regarding the tragic demise of a female Jadavpur University student, her father has raised suspicions of foul play and plans to file a police report.
After conducting his daughter's last rites on Sunday evening, he expressed confusion over why she would enter the campus water body, as she did not know how to swim, from which her body was later retrieved.
"I can't comprehend if someone intentionally pushed Anamika into the water. She was not a swimmer. She didn’t consume alcohol. If she had been drinking that night, it seems like someone conspired against her. I urge the police to interrogate her friends who were present that evening," he stated.
He continued, "Initially, we believed no one was to blame for her passing. Yet, doubts began to trouble us afterward. We are determined to uncover the truth and will officially report this to the police."
This development follows the NCW's proactive stance regarding the student’s death at Jadavpur University, as they reached out to Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma for a report within three days.
The Commission has demanded a comprehensive and unbiased investigation into the incident, as well as an inquiry into the university authorities' role in maintaining campus safety, insisting on stringent action should any foul play be discovered.
On the night of September 11, the body of a female student was found in a water body on the Jadavpur University campus. The victim was a third-year student majoring in English Literature.
While her body was found shortly after 10 P.M., a cultural program was being held on campus by members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M).
Once news of the student’s body being recovered broke, the cultural event was promptly halted. She was rushed to K.P.C. Medical College and Hospital, where she was declared dead upon arrival.
In response to the tragic incident, Jadavpur University officials have tightened security and enforced several restrictions for both students and visitors.
A circular issued late Friday night prohibits trespassing, morning and evening walks, the use of narcotics and alcohol on campus, and entry without valid identification.
The initial post-mortem report indicated that the student died from drowning. However, it remains unclear from the initial autopsy whether she had been under the influence of alcohol.
The police are currently awaiting the viscera report, which will take time to arrive, to ascertain if any drugs or toxic substances were in her system at the time of her drowning. The preliminary autopsy showed no visible injuries on her body.
Sources revealed that the female student had been drinking alcohol with friends near a pond on campus. Subsequently, they all wanted to enter the water. During police questioning, her friends claimed they had warned her against entering the water due to her inability to swim.
Despite the warnings, she entered the pond, as it appeared shallow. Unfortunately, she soon lost her footing and began to drown, according to sources.
Her friends retrieved her from the water and called for assistance. Security personnel were alerted as well. Unfortunately, by the time she reached the hospital, she was pronounced dead.