BJB College Student Death: Odisha Minister Gives Statement In Assembly, OHRC Issues Notice To Police

Bhubaneswar: Even as the state government said it has taken a serious note of the death of girl student Ruchika Mohanty of BJB Autonomous College in Bhubaneswar, the OHRC issued a notice to Twin City Commissionerate of Police on Monday.

Taking a suo motu cognizance of the case, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has issued a notice to the Commissionerate of Police. It has directed the police to submit a report on the case and probe status by July 19.

Making a statement on behalf of the government in the Assembly, Minister of State for Home Tushar Kanti Behera said the suicide of Ruchika was a tragic and sensitive matter. “I express my condolence to the family members and relatives of the deceased student,” he said.

The minister, in his statement, said 19-year-old Ruchika, belonging to Kakhadi village under Choudwar police limits in Cuttack district, was a student of Plus III 1st year (History Honours) in the BJB College. She was staying in room number 201 of Karubaki Women’s Hostel of the college with her roommate.

“At around 11.30 am on July 2, Ruchika’s roommate found the hostel room closed from inside and informed the college authorities. Later, hostel superintendent and college principal arrived at the spot and found the body of Ruchika. They informed the police and her family,” Behera said.

A team from Badagada police station came to the spot immediately after being informed and found a letter from the pocket of Ruchika. On the basis of the complaint filed by Ruchika mother Bidyut Prabha Mohanty, the police registered a case under Sections 306 and 34 of IPC, the minister said.

The Commissionerate Police has formed three teams headed by additional DCP for investigation into the case under direct supervision of Bhubaneswar DCP. The family members of Ruchika, statements of her relatives and the letter found from the deceased student have been brought under the purview of investigation, Behera said adding that the police have been directed to complete the investigation as soon as possible.

Stating that the Home department follows zero tolerance towards crime and criminals, the minister said it has directed the educational institutions to take steps as per the SOP issued by the department to stop ragging of the students in the campus.