An unusual sight greeted students and staff at Jadavpur University on Tuesday morning— ex-army personnel patrolling the campus. In a first-of-its-kind move, Jadavpur has deployed two supervisors and 30 former jawans to strengthen its security system, marking an unprecedented shift in campus management.
Sources in the university said the decision comes in the wake of several disturbing incidents over the past few years. “The death of a first-year student due to alleged ragging in a hostel, followed by the recent drowning of a girl student, had already triggered widespread anxiety about safety on campus. With these concerns escalating and a related case pending in court, the university authorities decided to take a decisive step: reinforcing their own security team with trained ex-servicemen appointed through the State Sainik Board,” said an official of the premier institution.
One of the ex-servicemen said, “We were sent here with our experience in the army. Two supervisors and 30 guards have come to strengthen security. We will keep an eye on every corner of the campus.”
Another added, “Our biggest responsibility is to ensure that previous incidents do not happen again. We are here based on our skills and discipline.”
Notably, the ex-army personnel will patrol unarmed. University officials have clarified that the objective is to enhance security through vigilance, discipline, and rapid response— not to militarise the campus environment.
Experts say the drastic decision reflects the administration’s urgent need to restore confidence after repeated questions over student safety.
All eyes are now on whether the introduction of ex-servicemen — trained, alert, and experienced — will bring meaningful change to the security climate of one of the state’s most prestigious institutions.
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