NUJS student Vikas Chaudhary passes away over Holi in tragic accident; RIP

Sunday, 8 March 2015 By Legally India Law schools

NUJS Kolkata student Vikas Chaudhary has passed away over the Holi weekend.

According to a statement from NUJS vice chancellor Ishwara Bhat, there was no reason to suspect foul play:

An extremely unfortunate incident happened in the afternoon of March 6, 2015 at The WB National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS) Kolkata where a first year LLB student Mr. Vikas Chaudhary met with an accident during the festival of holi. Students immediately admitted Vikas to AMRI Hospital, Salt Lake where his condition was declared to be critical. Unfortunately, Vikas succumbed to his injuries and passed away in the evening of March 7, 2015 at AMRI Hospital.

NUJS mourns the sudden and tragic demise of Vikas Chaudhary. We express our deepest condolences at his sudden and tragic demise. Vikas was a student with tremendous promise and dedication and in his demise, the University has suffered a terrible and irreparable loss. At this moment, our thoughts and prayers are with Vikas’ family and we pray that they have the strength to bear this bereavement.

After gathering information from the students, the University has at this moment, no reason to suspect any foul play. The University has initiated steps to institute an inquiry to investigate the exact circumstances of the accident. The University is extending necessary cooperation to the concerned authorities. The students have organised a condolence meeting on March 8, 2015 at 19:00 hours in the University premises to mourn the loss of a member of their family.

NUJS Kolkata

Comments

Guest 8 Mar 2015, 10:20
+33 -28
Reasons of death?
@Guest 8 Mar 2015, 15:31
+35 -22
In moments like these you don't ask for reasons, you say may the soul rest in peace. Rest in Peace brother, you will be missed.
Guest 8 Mar 2015, 14:41
+38 -38
Yesterday: [b]The authorities came to know about the incident from the students, "some of whose statements seemed inconsistent and contradictory", the VC said.[/b]

Today: [b]After gathering information from the students, the University has at this moment, no reason to suspect any foul play.[/b]

The VC's first statement clearly implied that the students were involved in foul play, and this must have prompted the Telegraph to place this as front page news. Now NUJS says that there is no foul play by the students. Hence, the VC must resign for making an insensitive, objectionable statement which slandered the whole student community and disrespected the deceased student. This guy lacks basic etiquette and tact, and is more suited for a village school than a reputed law school.

The students must take up this issue with him. They have been slandered in a vile way in the front page of a national newspaper.
Phantom 8 Mar 2015, 18:34
+40 -45
[quote name="Guest"]Yesterday: [b]The authorities came to know about the incident from the students, "some of whose statements seemed inconsistent and contradictory", the VC said.[/b]

Today: [b]After gathering information from the students, the University has at this moment, no reason to suspect any foul play.[/b]

The VC's first statement clearly implied that the students were involved in foul play, and this must have prompted the Telegraph to place this as front page news. Now NUJS says that there is no foul play by the students. Hence, the VC must resign for making an insensitive, objectionable statement which slandered the whole student community and disrespected the deceased student. This guy lacks basic etiquette and tact, and is more suited for a village school than a reputed law school.

The students must take up this issue with him. They have been slandered in a vile way in the front page of a national newspaper.[/quote]

Are you a first year NUJS novice who is commenting on Legally India trying to defend your college students? "Slandered the whole student community"? Have you just learnt torts and you try to flash your knowledge here?

Point 1 :- A lawyer would generally use the word "Defame" whereas a first year law school kid would show off with words like "slander" or "libel". This part is a bit irrelevant for now.

Point 2 :- Slandered the "whole student community"? May I know how has he slandered the "whole student community"? He has at the most slandered the students who have given inconsistent and contradictory statements!! Not all the students!! I hope NUJS has taught you law well. For it to qualify as an offence of slander, he would have to "name" the particular students to a "third party" and make a statement that is "untrue". I do not see your VC name any student in particular and if the students have given inconsistent and contradictory statements then that is a fact. The VC has simply stated the same. Where does the question of untrue statement arise?

I would suggest that you stop wasting your time on LegallyIndia and open your books and read the essentials of a particular law before you make bold statements on a public forum.

PS:- You Sir, have definitely defamed the VC by your comment you have posted.

Point 1:- You have named the VC
Point 2:- You have made an untrue statement which will lower the reputation of the VC i.e. "This guy lacks basic etiquette and tact, and is more suited for a village school than a reputed law school. "
Point 3:- The comment has been published on a website by virtue of which the statement will be communicated to a 3rd person.

PPS:- You are just lucky that you do not need to disclose your name to comment on LI. It is easy to hide behind a veil and make bold comments on some person known to all.

I do not know your VC personally or how bad he might be as YOU point out, but your comment has surely disclosed that your knowledge and understanding of the law is zilch.
NUJS senior 8 Mar 2015, 21:24
+66 -26
If he/she is really a NUJS first year student as you allege, please cut him some slack. He has lost a friend, and that surely must take emotional toll. I would really appreciate if you can try to understand what he/she must be feeling right now. Lessons in tort law is the last thing needed at the moment, forget your hateful and rude tone.

And just by the way, the usage of world slander does not necessarily imply a legal allegation. It can also be used a word of common parlance. Please stop being obsessed with law so much. Its rather ironic that it is times like these that truly make us question the relevance of what we do in our daily lives.
Phantom 10 Mar 2015, 19:44
+2 -3
[quote name="NUJS senior"]If he/she is really a NUJS first year student as you allege, please cut him some slack. He has lost a friend, and that surely must take emotional toll. I would really appreciate if you can try to understand what he/she must be feeling right now. Lessons in tort law is the last thing needed at the moment, forget your hateful and rude tone.

And just by the way, the usage of world slander does not necessarily imply a legal allegation. It can also be used a word of common parlance. Please stop being obsessed with law so much. Its rather ironic that it is times like these that truly make us question the relevance of what we do in our daily lives.[/quote]

Dear NUJS senior,

A person who (might have) lost his "friend" would not be "slandering" around on LegallyIndia. He may have put forward his views in simple language rather than showing off without even understanding the ingredients of the law. My rude and hateful tone, apart from the show off from the kid, is towards the fact that it indeed is possible that there was foul play. Is this kid trying to protect the reputation of the university by ranting something on LI or trying to cover up some foul play with such rant? I am concerned with such an incident in such an institution. Let law take its course and let investigations go on. Going by the statements quoted by the kid (the statements in bold), the VC may have heard contradictory stories earlier as it was a situation of panic and after the students cooled down the true story may have emerged. Or was it? To save some senior/s and their career was a story made up? I have also studied from a top NLU (which may include NUJS)and I too have seen ragging if not experienced it. We all know how it works out there. Don't we?

PS - I am more concerned for Vikas than you and your Mr. Slandering Guest and hence, point out the hypocrisy in his post in addition to his terrible legal knowledge.

- Signing off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[Phantom]
NUJS, Senior 11 Mar 2015, 07:28
+2 -1
Because his comment would somehow have an adverse effect on the course of law? Really now? His comment on a Legally India article will somehow adversely affect the investigation? That's the basis of your legal lecture?
Bhooka 9 Mar 2015, 06:07
+12 -5
Guruji...aap toh poora tort law par lecture hi de diyaen....!!!! Sir-jee, i need some gyaan on derivative contracts and ISDA... thoda prakasah dalliye...
Tortmeister 9 Mar 2015, 14:20
+6 -2
So much knowledge. So much that you had to show it off on a post like this. Such a stud dude. So cool.
NUJS 10 Mar 2015, 13:58
+0 -0
No one likes a smart ass.
Phantom 10 Mar 2015, 19:30
+1 -5
[quote name="NUJS"]No one likes a smart ass.[/quote]

I am sure NUJS does not. None of you'll current bunch are intellectually capable of comprehending one!
Bravo, senor, bravo 11 Mar 2015, 07:30
+7 -0
Really now? You think students from one of the most prestigious law schools in the country wouldn't be 'intellectually capable' of comprehending 'smart' arguments? Well done.
Guest 8 Mar 2015, 14:43
+6 -6
He had consumed bhaang, and he was standing on the ledge of the railing, where his hand slipped and he fell down.
Guest 2 8 Mar 2015, 17:59
+0 -0
how do u know? why was a murder case filed in that case?
Anon 9 Mar 2015, 09:17
+7 -1
If you do know this for a fact, care to come forward and say the same to the authorities instead of commenting on internet articles?
anon 8 Mar 2015, 14:45
+2 -2
Meanwhile, the student's father today lodged a complaint with the Bidhannagar South Police Station alleging that it was a case of murder, police said.


http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/nujs-student-dies-after-fall-murder-complaint-lodged-115030800415_1.html
X 8 Mar 2015, 17:49
+0 -0
omg! murder case filed!
kianganz 8 Mar 2015, 21:04
+1 -0
Indian Express has a more detailed report:
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/nujs-student-falls-to-death-parents-allege-foul-play/
update 8 Mar 2015, 18:06
+0 -0
see this from abp news. for those who can read bengali, it says that the parents have accused the students of ragging and murdering him. the parents have said that vikas has scared of a few senior students. a MURDER is being alleged.

http://abpananda.abplive.in/incoming/2015/03/08/article521382.ece/Mystery-sorrounds-unnatural-death-of-NUJS-student
Mr Sensation 9 Mar 2015, 14:23
+0 -0
That is what is being alleged. Of course, the truth shall come out soon enough.

You have no idea about the circumstances, and merely interested in sensationalizing the tragic incident.
update 8 Mar 2015, 18:17
+0 -0
http://www.timesnow.tv/19-yr-old-student-driven-to-suicide/videoshow/4474077.cms
NUJS student 8 Mar 2015, 21:32
+19 -1
I wouldn't want to venture into why the parents have alleged foul play, but I would say this - there were maybe like 100 eye witnesses to the incident, and there is not a single person in NUJS family who thinks there is any reason to believe that there was foul play.

It is really disheartening that the memory of a fellow student is being tarnished by these media reports, albeit not without reason as the parents have lodged a complaint. But I don't think anyone can blame the parents as well - its a very difficult time for them, and they have every right to seek the most thorough investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

All I ask from people here is a semblance of decency while discussing this matter.
Concerned stakeholder 8 Mar 2015, 21:37
+14 -25
From now on, anyone caught with drugs, bhang or alcohol on campus should be expelled. Bags should be searched and breathalyzer tests should be conducted. Wardens must conduct surprise checks 5-6 times a month. Sounds harsh but this is the only way students will learn. Young people need discipline and rules. Even academic discipline (plagiarism, attendance etc) should be much stricter. A culture should be created where students are forced to study all the time and be disciplined out of fear.

This young person's death is a sad tragedy. A young life has been lost and cannot be returned to the grief stricken parents. But future incidents like this can be prevented through the above measures.
Guest 9 Mar 2015, 06:16
+16 -3
YES! And dont let women outside since there are rapes! Why not ban all motor vehicles since there are accidents, knives and anything else ever used in a crime. These aren't kids. they're over 18 and are legally permitted to drink.Are you M.L. Sharma - 'concerned stakeholder in all that occurs in 'his' India and protector of the besht Indian culture
Huh? 9 Mar 2015, 09:53
+4 -5
[quote name="Guest"]"... they're over 18 and are legally permitted to drink. ..."[/quote]

What's the legal drinking age in India, again? :o :s

Damn...I've been misled into believing it was 25 years. All those years I could have been drinking (legally)...wasted! All that thrill of (apparent) underage drinking...gone! :'(
Who 9 Mar 2015, 12:12
+9 -1
Mr. Huh,

You seem a bit lost. The "legal drinking age" is not uniform throughout India and varies greatly from state to state (this matter being placed under the State List). I am assuming you waited, like a law abiding, but misguided soul till the ripe age of 25 to have your first beer. Sigh.. you could have hopped over to Himachal where the permitted age is only 18.
If only you knew... Sigh.

PS: On a separate note, can you guys stop being so prudish. A boy lost his life here. Instead of pretending to be holier than thou, can we just pray for his soul..
holy holi 10 Mar 2015, 05:13
+1 -0
Holier than thou during holi. Holy.
May better sense prevail 9 Mar 2015, 06:17
+3 -1
Dear Stakeholder,
I do not know of where your concern stems from, but it certainly is misplaced.
In my opinion, this was an accident and that can happen anywhere. In a city like Calcutta, you can get bhang at multiple locations on Holi. Besides, there are even more dangerous drugs that are made accessible by virtue of being in a big city. And a recent study published by a reputed Ivy League journal stated that alcohol is 144 times more dangerous than cannabis. Unless you are suggesting that the students be locked up completely and not allowed into the city (or even across the road for that matter), your plan is foolish.
Please don't be so myopic in your approach.
The environment you are suggesting to create at NUJS will turn it into a detention centre. Creativity, which is the hallmark of NUJS, will be stunted. Not to mention, cases of depression will rise.
Having said that, it would be ideal if the college found more innovative ways to engage the students. Policing is definitely not the answer.
May his soul rest in peace.
Tambourine Man 12 Mar 2015, 19:15
+2 -1
An open culture of sex and drugs is not creativity, lad.
Sick 9 Mar 2015, 09:43
+1 -0
If you are just trolling here....and it looks like that....you are really sick
Justice 8 Mar 2015, 23:23
+0 -0
http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150309/jsp/calcutta/story_7554.jsp


http://www.telegraphindia.com/1150309/jsp/calcutta/story_7557.jsp
Shut up 9 Mar 2015, 04:06
+5 -6
Stop this political nonsense. A section of the anti VC faculty members ( baby el etc.) are responsible for the irresponsible media leaks. Stop this already and mourn for the departed soul.
pi 9 Mar 2015, 08:56
+2 -3
why not simply put bars on the open ledge in the hostels, i know it would look like a prison but would have averted this unfortunate incident.
Guest 9 Mar 2015, 12:00
+8 -1
Someone here has commented that an MLA got involved and assaulted students. Would request LI to investigate and identify the political party involved and get a comment from the party spokesperson. This is really shocking if true.
Guest 9 Mar 2015, 21:16
+0 -0
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/kolkata/nujs-students-death-police-question-6-students-security-guard/

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Hostel-death-NUJS-students-deny-ragging/articleshow/46508844.cms

http://www.ndtv.com/kolkata-news/kolkata-law-student-dies-under-mysterious-circumstances-father-alleges-murder-745220
Outsider 10 Mar 2015, 03:09
+5 -1
Kian, if I am not mistaken, some of the comments to this post have been removed after they were allowed to be posted. Not that I agreed to them personally, I am dead against sensationalizing a tragic event such as this with wild rumours and accusations anyway!However, are you being subjected to any kind of pressure regarding editing out such comments? Because sure as hell that would be stifling of free speech as much as it can be!
Scooter- 10 Mar 2015, 08:49
+13 -1
Kian...I think such unfortunate incidences are better not reported on LI. the readers have a knack of commenting insensitively and immaturely.
Guest 10 Mar 2015, 11:58
+0 -0
Idiotic comment. People can post objectionable remarks on any topic. That cannot justify censorship. You are perhaps a sympathiser of the college in question. In fact LI has actually reproduced the university version and not reproduced the father's allegation that his son was murdered through ragging.
ZRS 11 Mar 2015, 05:10
+3 -0
I would slightly modify Scooter's comment - such news MUST be reported on LI but the comments must be completely not allowed' or the level of moderation must be higher.
We have learnt/ unlearnt Tort law and legal age for drinking, here.
GUEST 11 Mar 2015, 15:41
+2 -4
NUJS is a den of corruption. BCI report has exposed it.
When actions are required to be taken against the corrupt VC and ex-VC then the present VC of NUJS tries to hide the BCI report.
Did the present VC place the BCI report to EC as recommended by BCI? Did the Chancellor constitute the University Review Commission as recommended by BCI?
Why IshwaR Bhatt is remaing silent? Why EC is remaing silent ? Why General Council of NUJS the higest body in NUJS is silent? What are you all doing in NUJS as EC and GC member ? Previous EC sought for University Review Commission but the same was not done. Why the University Review Commission was not constituted when EC asked for it ? Who are all the corrupt and culprits in NUJS?
Well done Prof. Ishwar Bhatt - You were fast enough to make an enquiry and punish Ex-Registrar of NUJS . Why did you try to suppress the report of BCI ? Why did you give a false information to Judicial Secretary of WB Govt and to UGC about the happenings in NUJS?
We see that the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India directs CBI to make enquiry for scams in India.[b]Will the Hon'ble Chancellor of NUJS who is also the Hon'ble CJI will direct CBI to make an enquiry and submit the report to Hon'ble Supreme Court of India ?[/b]
Let the CBI make an enquiry in NUJS and take legal actions against the corrupt people of NUJS and save the Legal Education in India.
Request to Legal India - Please open a forum on NUJS to save the legal education in NUJS.
Let our children who are the students of NUJS be saved , let proper Legal education be restored in NUJS.
X 11 Mar 2015, 22:12
+2 -0
Stop pretending to be a parent.
Phantom 12 Mar 2015, 05:03
+0 -1
[quote name="GUEST"]NUJS is a den of corruption. BCI report has exposed it.
When actions are required to be taken against the corrupt VC and ex-VC then the present VC of NUJS tries to hide the BCI report.
Did the present VC place the BCI report to EC as recommended by BCI? Did the Chancellor constitute the University Review Commission as recommended by BCI?
Why IshwaR Bhatt is remaing silent? Why EC is remaing silent ? Why General Council of NUJS the higest body in NUJS is silent? What are you all doing in NUJS as EC and GC member ? Previous EC sought for University Review Commission but the same was not done. Why the University Review Commission was not constituted when EC asked for it ? Who are all the corrupt and culprits in NUJS?
Well done Prof. Ishwar Bhatt - You were fast enough to make an enquiry and punish Ex-Registrar of NUJS . Why did you try to suppress the report of BCI ? Why did you give a false information to Judicial Secretary of WB Govt and to UGC about the happenings in NUJS?
We see that the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India directs CBI to make enquiry for scams in India.[b]Will the Hon'ble Chancellor of NUJS who is also the Hon'ble CJI will direct CBI to make an enquiry and submit the report to Hon'ble Supreme Court of India ?[/b]
Let the CBI make an enquiry in NUJS and take legal actions against the corrupt people of NUJS and save the Legal Education in India.
Request to Legal India - Please open a forum on NUJS to save the legal education in NUJS.
Let our children who are the students of NUJS be saved , let proper Legal education be restored in NUJS.[/quote]

Yes right. LegallyIndia has no other work than to waste its time on a wasted university *rolling eyes*
Dissenter 15 Mar 2015, 08:39
+1 -2
Why is LI's coverage so one-sided? Not one word about the accusations by parents. See what his parents have said in today's Indian Express:

Choudhury’s father Yogendra Singh, a BSF personnel posted in Guwahati, said, “My son used to complain that he was being ragged by seniors. He used to tell us over phone that they made him chant slogans and fetch them food in the middle of the night. They also pressured him to drink alcohol and smoke. He was extremely depressed.”
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nujs-death-kin-say-ragged-thrown-off-hostel-building/

This is a VERY, VERY serious allegation. Why is LI silent? It has covered various petty disputes in other law schools in a one-sided manner and attacked the administration, but has strangely been soft on the NUJS admin despite numerous failings. This is indeed unfortunate and irresponsible journalism.
Phantom 15 Mar 2015, 20:30
+0 -1
[quote name="Dissenter"]Why is LI's coverage so one-sided? Not one word about the accusations by parents. See what his parents have said in today's Indian Express:

Choudhury’s father Yogendra Singh, a BSF personnel posted in Guwahati, said, “My son used to complain that he was being ragged by seniors. He used to tell us over phone that they made him chant slogans and fetch them food in the middle of the night. They also pressured him to drink alcohol and smoke. He was extremely depressed.”
http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/nujs-death-kin-say-ragged-thrown-off-hostel-building/

This is a VERY, VERY serious allegation. Why is LI silent? It has covered various petty disputes in other law schools in a one-sided manner and attacked the administration, but has strangely been soft on the NUJS admin despite numerous failings. This is indeed unfortunate and irresponsible journalism.[/quote]

I kind of agree with you. Well Kian has provided the link in one of his comments. I just scrolled up to see LI's news. It does only cover the statement released by the university. I agree it is difficult for Kian to provide the parents views considering he has not spoken to them but Kian could quote other sources and mention about the parents allegations, or may be reach out to them for a comment. If we can reach out to law firms and lawyers for comments on deals and resignations, LI could go one step ahead, speak to a kin of the deceased and provide their views.
kianganz 15 Mar 2015, 20:38
+0 -0
You're both kind of right.

It is an important story, but honestly we haven't had time to look into this as much as it probably deserves...

Will bear it in mind...
Dissenter 15 Mar 2015, 08:42
+0 -2
Another TV news report (as LI remains silent):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4JxFkuq0Uo
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