Jadavpur Student Death: CCTV Shows 40 Individuals Near Pond, Investigation Intensifies

Kolkata Police are intensifying their investigation into the death of a third-year English Literature student at Jadavpur University (JU), with CCTV footage capturing at least 40 people near the campus pond on the evening of September 11, a senior officer revealed Thursday. The 21-year-old, identified as Anamika Mandal, was found unconscious in the pond that night and later declared dead at a nearby hospital, prompting concerns over campus safety amid prior incidents.

A post-mortem examination confirmed drowning as the cause of death, but the student's parents alleged foul play, leading police to register a murder case following their complaint. The footage, particularly from a bathroom area adjacent to the pond, has emerged as crucial evidence. Investigators are scrutinizing it to identify anyone who entered the vicinity but did not leave, the officer said. "All 40 individuals captured on camera that evening may be questioned before Durga Puja," he added, emphasizing the urgency ahead of the festival.

On Wednesday, six JU students were interrogated, but all denied knowing the deceased, according to the officer. Renewed efforts are underway to recover Mandal's missing purse and glasses, with divers set to resume searches in the pond. One of her white shoes was previously retrieved during an earlier dive. "We are probing whether this was an accident or a premeditated crime," the officer stated, as police piece together the sequence of events from that night.

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The incident has reignited debates on security at JU, the site of another student death in 2023 involving alleged ragging. The National Commission for Women took suo motu cognizance, highlighting vulnerabilities faced by female students on campus. Parents of the deceased met senior police officials earlier this week, urging a swift resolution. As the probe advances, authorities aim to provide closure amid growing calls for enhanced surveillance and monitoring at the prestigious institution.

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