Assam student beaten in MP’s Indira Gandhi National Tribal University:Nose fractured; fears for life after attackers enter hostel and assault him

Some people entered the hostel of Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) in Anuppur on January 13 and assaulted a student from Assam, punching and kicking him in the face. The student sustained injuries to his eyes, ears, and nose, and fears for his life. He is currently staying in the hostel. The next day, students gheraoed the administrative building in protest. Late Wednesday night, the management expelled five students, and a case was registered against them on Thursday. On the same day, ABVP submitted a memorandum to the SP demanding strict action. Student injured in hostel assault misses exam Neeti Jain, Dean of the Economics Department, stated that the student has a nasal bone fracture and an eye injury. He is also mentally distressed and is unable to appear for the January 16 exam. A request was made to the Discipline Committee for a special exam date, which has been approved. Student said – they beat me thinking I was alone The victim student, Hiros Jyotidas, an MA Economics student at IGNTU and a resident of GGBH Hostel, said that on January 13, around 4 am, five to six unknown youths entered his room, questioned him about his name, studies, and being from Assam, and threatened him, saying he would die there. Two held his hands while others punched, kicked, and slapped him, allegedly targeting him because he was alone. With exams starting January 16, he said he is terrified for his safety and fears he could be killed like a previous student from Tripura, appealing to the administration to ensure his protection so he can continue his studies. Five students found guilty in CCTV investigation The university management investigated the CCTV footage based on the recommendation of the Chief Hostel Superintendent. The accused students were identified as Anurag Pandey, Jatin Singh, Rajneesh Tiwari, Vishal Yadav, and Utkarsh Singh. These five students have been expelled from the university. The case has also been handed over to the Disciplinary Committee for investigation and disciplinary action. Rajneesh Tripathi, Public Relations Officer of the university, said, Action has been taken according to the rules, considering the seriousness of the incident. The expelled students have been removed from the campus. CCTV footage cannot be provided. Additional SP Jagannath Markam said, The matter will be discussed with the university management. A case has been registered against the accused at the police station. MP, MLA called the incident reprehensible MP Himadri Singh posted on social media platforms X and Facebook. She wrote, This incident not only raises questions about student safety but also damages the dignity and academic environment of the university. Strict action should be taken against the culprits as well as the negligent officials. Sailana MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar also condemned the incident and demanded action against the culprits. Manawar MLA Hiralal Alawa also questioned the university administration on X.