Kolkata: Jadavpur University’s anti-ragging committee has imposed varying punishments on 8 students accused of threatening and harassing a third-year engineering student after details of his RTI seeking placement-related data were leaked from the placement officer’s office. VC Chiranjib Bhattacharjee said, “The anti-ragging committee has submitted the report and the punishments have been communicated to the concerned students.”TOI had earlier reported that the committee recommended a show-cause notice for the placement officer over breach of confidentiality involving the RTI contents and the applicant’s identity. However, the placement officer during whose tenure the incident occurred has resigned and a new officer has been appointed.Punishments include debarring students from becoming placement coordinators, mandatory submission of anti-ragging affidavits signed by students and guardians after completion of the punishment period, a one-year ban on representing JU in competitions, two months of counselling, and informing parents.Additional action was recommended against six students. Two have been suspended from classes for two weeks but can appear for exams. They must join NSS and undertake community service for two months. An official said public circulation of the RTI details and the student’s identity triggered the harassment.
