A Grieving Campus: Central University Students Rally in Ajmer for Justice after Ladakhi Student's Suicide

Ajmer— Tragedy struck the campus of Central University of Rajasthan (CUR) in Ajmer as the news of a student suicide sent shockwaves through the academic community. Phunsukh Dolma, a promising PhD scholar hailing from Ladakh and studying in the Department of Social Work, was found hanging in her room at the B1 Girls Hostel late Wednesday night.

The unfortunate incident has left fellow students and university staff in mourning, seeking answers to the unknown reasons behind this heartbreaking event. As the campus grapples with grief, students have united in their demand for a fair and swift investigation to shed light on the circumstances leading to this devastating loss.

They staged an overnight protest outside the university building and in the morning too raised slogans demanding justice. They sought daily updates on the progress of the inquiry to ensure transparency and accountability. They also gave a seven days ultimatum to the university administration to conduct a fair probe in the episode. 

Students demanded staff and ambulance for emergency situations

Furthermore, the absence of a nurse on duty and the unavailability of immediate transportation to the hospital have raised serious concerns. The students insist on examining why no university employee was present to handle the emergency and demand the provision of at least two ambulances with dedicated drivers, along with equipped medical supplies.

Additionally, students seek clarity on previous suicide cases and insist on publicizing the formation, findings, and progress of any investigative committee established by the university to address such matters.

The students' anguish was compounded by the lack of an official statement throughout the night, and they demand accountability for the negligence displayed by nine university administrators who responded belatedly. Appropriate action should be taken against those responsible for this delay, they asserted.

Security Officer Rajpal Singh Rewad has come under scrutiny for allegedly threatening and mentally harassing several students, and the student community demands strict action against him.

The students also ask for transparency regarding the police's entry onto the campus and the circumstances that led to their involvement. They said that the reasons for calling the police must be made public, and any necessary action should be taken accordingly.

The Mooknayak reached out to the Chief Warden, KandaSwamy, who clarified that the deceased student did not have any issues with the university or hostel management. He mentioned that she had been studying for five years and appeared normal when she met faculty members in the morning. However, it is known that she was undergoing treatment for psychological issues and had some family-related struggles." Her friends saw her hanging and they entered the room. She was taken to the Kishangarh hospital where doctors declared her dead" he said.