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.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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