The death of Faizan Ahmed, a third-year mechanical engineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the safety of Muslim students in Indian educational institutions.
Faizan's body was discovered in a hostel room on October 14, 2022. Initially, IIT Kharagpur authorities reported the incident as a suicide. However, the student's mother disputed this claim and persistently sought justice for her son.
In May 2023, following the mother's petition, the Calcutta High Court ordered a second autopsy. The new post-mortem report revealed shocking details, including gunshot wounds, multiple stab injuries, and trauma from a heavy object to the chest. These findings contradicted the initial suicide narrative and suggested foul play.
Five students and professors are currently facing ragging charges in connection with the case, though they remain out on bail. The victim's mother has accused the IIT Kharagpur administration of attempting to cover up the true nature of her son's death and hindering the pursuit of justice.
The case has seen further complications, with a recent court hearing being postponed and the judges reassigned. Critics argue that these actions may be attempts to suppress new evidence.
This incident has reignited discussions about the safety of minority students in Indian educational institutions, particularly in the context of growing concerns over religious-based violence since the current government came to power.
As the investigation continues, the case remains a focal point for debates on campus safety, institutional accountability, and the protection of minority students in India's premier educational establishments.
