AGARTALA, Sep 16 (TIWN): Questions over the safety and supervision of students living in government-run hostels have resurfaced in Tripura after a Class VII student of Bijoy Kumar Girls School fell seriously ill at the Anang Mohini Girls Hostel and was admitted to Govind Ballabh Pant (GB) Hospital in Agartala in critical condition.

The incident involving Jubika Tripura has drawn the attention of student activists, with the CPI(M)-affiliated Tripura Students’ Union (TSU) calling for a proper and impartial investigation into what happened at the hostel.

Addressing the media, TSU Secretary Sujit Tripura expressed concern over what he described as a worrying pattern of incidents involving students staying in government hostels. He pointed to the earlier death of another student, Supriya Jamatia, who had reportedly died by suicide while staying at the same hostel.

Sujit Tripura also referred to a recent incident at the Sports Academy and Ambedkar Hostel, saying such cases raise serious questions about the safety mechanisms and supervision available to students living away from their families.

According to him, the presence of permanent security personnel and dedicated wardens in government hostels could help prevent such incidents and ensure that students receive timely assistance during emergencies.

The latest incident has also prompted wider discussion among local student groups and members of the community over hostel management, student safety, emergency medical response and the responsibilities of authorities overseeing girls’ and Scheduled Tribe (ST) hostels.

Jubika was reportedly taken to GB Hospital after suffering a sudden health emergency at the Anang Mohini Girls Hostel. Her condition was described as serious, prompting concern among students, activists and members of the local community.

TSU has demanded that the circumstances surrounding the incident be thoroughly examined and that responsibility be fixed if any lapse is established.

“We were promised a fair investigation, but only time will show,” Sujit Tripura said.

The incident has once again brought the functioning of government hostels into focus, particularly the need for adequate supervision, security arrangements and a prompt response system for students who may face medical or other emergencies while staying away from home.