Bolangir medical student death: NHRC team reaches college to start investigation

A three-member National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) team reached Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir on Wednesday to launch an investigation into the death of a first-year MBBS student.

First-year MBBS student and a native of Haryana, Nishant Kumar of the institute reportedly died after falling off the hostel roof on April 22. His parents alleged he was a victim of ragging. Later, the surfacing of Nishant's mobile chats with his friends had lent credence to the ragging theory in a big way.

As per reports, the team comprising Bimal Jeet Ippal, Chandra Sekhar and Madhabananda Rout will stay at the circuit house and continue the investigation into the case till July 1. The team will also question the Dean of the medical college, head of all the departments and other employees in this regard. The district administration and police have assured the team to extend all sorts of help during their investigation process.

Earlier last month, taking cognizance of the death of the student, NHRC had issued a notice to Odisha Chief Secretary and the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Sambalpur University.