Pioneer In Short

Probe ordered after student deaths in NIT

National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra has set up a five-member panel to probe recent student suicides, even as unrest grips the campus after four such incidents in two months. The latest case involves a 19-year-old BTech student from Bihar, whose death triggered protests. A day later, another first-year student allegedly attempted suicide but was stopped by peers. The institute has ordered the hostels vacated and declared a vacation for all students, citing safety concerns. While most of the 5,300 hostel residents have left, authorities are reviewing requests from outstation students facing travel difficulties. Police are separately investigating the latest death. Administrative changes include replacing key hostel wardens and forming three committees focused on mentoring, student outreach, and grievance redressal. However, students allege a persistent disconnect with faculty and say the measures fall short.

Amid heightened tension and police deployment, student bodies such as Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Students’ Federation of India have demanded transparency and accountability, with calls for an independent probe gaining momentum.

ED raids Kolkata Deputy Commissioner

The Enforcement Directorate on Sunday raided premises linked to Kolkata Police Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sinha Biswas and a businessman in Kolkata as part of a money-laundering probe tied to an alleged criminal syndicate ahead of the State polls. Searches were carried out at two locations associated with the police officer and one linked to businessman Joy Kamdar, who was taken in for questioning. Officials said Biswas was not present during the raids. The action, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, relates to alleged criminal Biswajit Podder, accused in multiple cases, including attempted murder and extortion. Podder, currently absconding, has not responded to the summons issued by investigators.

Earlier searches this month led to the seizure of Rs 1.47 crore in cash, along with gold, silver, and a country-made firearm. The case stems from a police FIR citing rioting, conspiracy, and Arms Act violations, intensifying scrutiny days before polling.