J&K Students Association writes to Punjab CM, seeks FIR and time-bound probe into tragic death of Kashmiri Pandit student in Mohali College 

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Monday has written to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, seeking his immediate intervention into the tragic death of Aryan Razdan, a 19-year-old Kashmiri Pandit student from Budgam, who died by suicide in his hostel room at Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri, Mohali on May 19, 2025. 

In a letter, the Association has demanded the immediate registration of an FIR and a fair, time-bound probe into the circumstances that led to Aryan’s death. The letter alleges that Aryan, a BBA second-semester student, was subjected to severe mental harassment by college authorities after being accused of using a mobile phone during an examination. Rather than supporting him, the college’s handling of the matter reportedly humiliated the student, pushing him into psychological distress.  

It further alleged that his hostel room was cleaned before police arrived and his mobile phone and laptop were taken without the family's knowledge or consent, raising suspicions of evidence tampering. Instead of being treated with fairness and empathy, Aryan was reportedly humiliated by the college staff, which further deepened his emotional distress. Later that day, he returned to his hostel room and tragically took his own life by hanging. 

National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami termed the entire episode as deeply disturbing and pointed out a series of procedural and moral failures in the aftermath of Aryan’s death. According to the student's family, the Punjab Police has not yet registered an FIR, even after the passage of nearly two weeks, despite repeated pleas from his grief-stricken parents. His father, Mr. Sanjay Razdan, arrived at the college from Srinagar at 9:00 PM the same night, only to find that not a single college official was present to meet or console the family. The silence and indifference shown by the institution further compounded their trauma, he said. 

Adding to the alarm, the Association cited testimonies from fellow students who alleged that Aryan’s hostel room was cleaned before police arrived, raising fears of possible tampering with crucial evidence. Moreover, it has been claimed that Aryan’s mobile phone and laptop were taken from police custody without the knowledge or consent of the family, an act that raises serious concerns about accountability and transparency. 

The Association posed several pressing questions that: Why was Aryan’s room cleaned before law enforcement could inspect it? Who ordered the removal or tampering of his phone and laptop? Under whose authority were these decisions made? Why were Aryan’s grieving parents kept in the dark for so long? The Association argued that these questions demand immediate and transparent answers, stating that continued silence only deepens public suspicion and the family’s agony. “An FIR must be registered immediately, and a fair, impartial investigation must be launched to uncover the truth and ensure accountability,” he said. 

Khuehami emphasized that the delay in lodging an FIR, along with the alleged procedural lapses and disrespect shown to the bereaved family, reflects a gross miscarriage of justice. He also flagged concerns raised by the family regarding procedural irregularities during the post-mortem conducted at Civil Hospital Phase 6, Mohali. The family seeks clarity and accountability regarding the handling of the medical examination, documentation, and body release processes, all of which were reportedly delayed and poorly managed. 

“This is not just about Aryan,” he said. “It’s about every student who leaves home with dreams in their eyes and deserves to be protected, not broken. Educational institutions are meant to nurture students, not drive them into despair. The right to dignity, mental well-being, and institutional accountability must be non-negotiable.” 

He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for personal intervention to ensure justice is served. He demanded a transparent, time-bound, and impartial investigation and stressed that legal and disciplinary action must be taken against any individual or institution found complicit, whether in harassment, negligence, or evidence tampering. The family deserves justice, and the student community demands reform. We urge the Chief Minister to rise to the occasion and act,” he added.