A first-year MA Economics student from Assam, Hiroj Jyoti Das, was reportedly assaulted inside the Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) hostel in Madhya Pradesh. The attack allegedly occurred because the assailants questioned him about his name and home state. Das sustained multiple serious injuries and claimed that the attackers targeted him based on his regional identity. During the assault, they allegedly threatened to kill him.
According to the victim, the incident took place in the early hours of January 13, around 4 am. Das had stepped out of his room in Guru Gobind Boys’ Hostel to use the washroom when six to seven students, appearing intoxicated, stopped him. They questioned him about his identity and place of origin. When Das identified himself as being from Assam, he was allegedly beaten brutally. He later told NDTV that the assailants not only physically assaulted him but also issued death threats during the attack.
The injured student received initial treatment at the university dispensary. However, his condition was deemed serious, and he was referred to the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district hospital for further care. Medical examinations revealed a fractured nasal bone, blood clotting in the eyes, and multiple severe injuries to his face and body.
News of the assault sparked immediate outrage on campus. On January 14, students and NCC cadets organized a protest outside the university’s administrative building. They raised slogans demanding justice and surrounded the premises for several hours. Unsatisfied with verbal assurances from the administration, the students laid siege to the registrar’s office, calling for strict action against the attackers. In response, the university initiated an inquiry. Five students—Anurag Pandey, Jatin Singh, Ranjeet Tripathi, Vishal Yadav, and Utkarsh Singh—were expelled immediately. The university also handed over its investigation report to the police for further legal proceedings.
Protesting students claimed the assault highlighted deep-rooted issues of discrimination and lack of security on campus. Simran Singh, one of the protesters, said Das was told that the hostel room “belonged to those boys earlier,” raising serious concerns about safety in the absence of guards during the assault. NCC cadet Akshay described the incident as unacceptable. “Assam is part of India,” he said, questioning the university’s response. Another cadet, Rinki Yadav, added that although a committee had been formed, students were losing faith due to a lack of visible action.
A formal complaint was filed at Amarkantak police station on Wednesday night around 11 pm. An FIR was registered based on the victim’s statement. Das has demanded legal action under sections pertaining to attempted murder and criminal intimidation. Police have confirmed that the case is under investigation.
Videos and reports show the Proctor avoiding the camera while the Dean of Academics reportedly tried to prevent coverage by grabbing the reporter’s hand.
The incident drew strong political reactions. Shahdol MP Himadri Singh described the assault as “extremely reprehensible and worrying.” She noted that the attack endangered student safety and tarnished the dignity and academic environment of the university. Singh called for strict action against the perpetrators and negligent officials. Similarly, Sailana MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar and Manawar MLA Hiralal Alawa condemned the assault and questioned the university administration about lapses that led to the incident.
Students, officials, and political leaders alike have called for immediate measures to improve campus security and prevent discrimination based on regional identity. The incident has reignited debates about student safety in universities and the responsibility of administration in ensuring an inclusive and secure environment for all students. Campus authorities have promised to review security protocols and provide regular updates regarding the ongoing investigation.
The assault on Hiroj Jyoti Das has become a focal point for discussions on tolerance, regional sensitivity, and administrative accountability within educational institutions. Community members, activists, and student organizations have emphasized the need for robust mechanisms to protect vulnerable students, address misconduct promptly, and ensure fair treatment irrespective of background. The university is under pressure to implement reforms that will restore faith among students while delivering justice for the victim.
