Hindu hostel room ceiling collapses; Students demand urgent action

A section of the ceiling in Room 101 of Kolkata’s Hindu Hostel collapsed late at night, narrowly avoiding injuries to residents. The incident occurred around 11 PM when a large chunk of plaster fell onto the bed of student Aishnik Dutta. Fortunately, no one was on the bed at the time, preventing serious harm. The collapse has intensified concerns about the structural integrity of the hostel, which has been a subject of repeated complaints from residents.

According to students, multiple reports about the deteriorating condition of the hostel had been submitted to the authorities over the past several months. However, no immediate action was taken to address issues related to maintenance and safety. The collapse has raised fresh concerns, with students questioning why preventive measures were not implemented despite prior warnings. Many residents are now demanding urgent structural inspections and repairs to prevent similar incidents.

Following the incident, hostel staff member Ashish Kumar Karmakar, who is responsible for student safety, was approached by residents. According to the students, he initially refused to inspect the damage and instead advised the affected residents to arrange their own accommodation for the night. After repeated requests, he later assigned them an alternative room, but his delayed response has caused dissatisfaction among the hostel’s residents.

Students have now escalated their concerns, urging immediate repairs and routine maintenance across all hostel rooms to ensure safety. Many have emphasized that the building's deteriorating state poses a continuous risk. They have also demanded regular structural audits and accountability from the authorities responsible for hostel maintenance. The incident has sparked discussions among residents about further actions if their demands are not met.

Hindu Hostel, which houses students of Presidency University, is one of the oldest hostels in Kolkata. Many students come from distant locations and rely on the hostel for accommodation. With safety concerns now at the forefront, residents are insisting that the administration take necessary steps to prevent further structural hazards and improve living conditions.