Hyderabad varsity students demand fact-finding panel after Mayukh Kundu’s death

Student organisations at the University of Hyderabad have demanded an independent fact-finding committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of Mayukh Kundu, a first-year MA student. The groups have sought accountability, compensation for the family, and stronger student support mechanisms.

Hyderabad: Various student organisations at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) demanded the varsity administration to constitute an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the events that led to the death of Mayukh Kundu, a first-year MA Financial Economics student, on May 17.

In a joint press statement on Thursday, ASA, AISA, BRSV, BSF, DSU, Fraternity, MSF, PDSU, SFI and TSF alleged that a group of students affiliated with ABVP, along with present Students’ Union members, gathered outside ‘F’ Hostel under the pretext of taking action against Mayukh, who was accused of laptop theft.

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The student organisations alleged that the gathering engaged in intimidation, obstructed movement on campus, and attempted to forcibly take the student into custody.

“Mayukh Kundu was subjected to severe harassment, humiliation, and physical assault. Members of the mob allegedly detained him in a hostel room and coerced him into confessing to the alleged theft. These acts were carried out in a climate of fear and intimidation, with complete disregard for due process and institutional mechanisms,” the organisations claimed.

However, the ABVP-HCU condemned the deliberate attempts being made by certain groups to politicize the demise of Mayukh and falsely drag the ABVP into the matter without any evidence.

Rejecting allegations against the ABVP, the student body said spreading fabricated stories and rumours during a moment of grief was highly condemnable.

Apart from accountability from the administration, the ASA, AISA, BRSV, BSF, DSU, Fraternity, MSF, PDSU, SFI and TSF demanded time-bound action against individuals responsible for the assault, coercion, and public humiliation. They wanted fair compensation to the family of Mayukh and a public acknowledgment of responsibility and an official apology.

The students sought the establishment of a comprehensive student support and suicide prevention mechanism, including accessible counselling services, early intervention systems, and crisis response protocols.