Student groups demand independent probe into death of University of Hyderabad student

Several student organisations at the University of Hyderabad have demanded the immediate constitution of an independent fact-finding committee into the events leading to the death of first-year M.A. Financial Economics student Mayukh Kundu.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday (May 21), student organisations including ASA, AISA, BRSV, BSF, DSU, Fraternity, MSF, PDSU, SFI and TSF held both members of ABVP and the university administration responsible for the student’s death following incidents that allegedly took place on the night of May 17. The students’ demands include: time-bound action against individuals responsible for the assault, compensation to the family of Mayukh Kundu, acknowledgment of responsibility and an official apology from the administration.

The demand also included establishment of a student support and suicide prevention mechanism, including accessible counselling services, early intervention systems, and crisis response protocols.

According to the statement, a group of students affiliated with ABVP and members of the present ABVP-led students’ union allegedly gathered outside F Hostel after accusations of laptop theft were levelled against Mayukh Kundu.

They further alleged that Mayukh Kundu was subjected to harassment, humiliation and physical assault, and was allegedly detained in a hostel room where he was coerced into confessing to the alleged theft.

They also condemned attempts to portray Mayukh as a drug addict or laptop thief, stating that he had denied involvement in the alleged theft and that teachers in his department had described him as a bright student who was never found under the influence of drugs.

Meanwhile, the University of Hyderabad administration issued a circular on May 18 warning students against intimidation, abusive behaviour, threats, obstruction of university officials, consumption of intoxicants and acts of indiscipline on campus.

The circular stated that the university would maintain “zero tolerance” towards violence, threats, discriminatory remarks and conduct disrupting campus order.

The administration warned that disciplinary action could include suspension from hostels or academic programmes, fines, rustication, expulsion and police complaints wherever necessary.