Students Protest at LNIPE Following Tragic Death of Classmate
Ongoing Protests at Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education
Officials from the Ministry and LNIPE, including the Vice-Chancellor, engage with protesting students on Thursday. (Photo)
Sonapur, Sept 10: Students at the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education (LNIPE) in Sonapur have maintained their sit-in protest, demanding a thorough investigation and accountability regarding the death of third-year B.P.Ed student Shruti Upadhyay.
Representatives from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with LNIPE officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, engaged with the demonstrators throughout the day.
The students have raised concerns about delayed medical response, insufficient clinical evaluation, and failures in emergency transport that they believe contributed to the tragic outcome.
According to the students, Shruti initially received treatment at the campus health center before being transferred to Sonapur District Hospital.
A fellow student reported that Shruti had previously complained of back pain and was repeatedly given painkillers at the health center.
“She visited the health center, received a painkiller, and was sent back. On September 4, when her condition worsened, our warden instructed her to go to the hospital,” the student recounted.
After several days at the district hospital, a referral to a higher medical facility was suggested, but the process faced delays.
“Her condition was worsening, yet we were told there was no need for an ambulance or referral, and that she merely had a common bladder infection. We demand to know why she did not receive immediate medical attention and why her family was not informed about the severity of her condition,” the student stated.
The protesters are calling for an independent investigation, accountability for those responsible, reimbursement of Shruti’s medical expenses, and a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for her family.
Additionally, they are advocating for a 24/7 ambulance service and improved emergency medical protocols.
Shruti, who specialized in lawn tennis, experienced abdominal pain on September 4 and was admitted to Sonapur District Hospital. She was subsequently transferred to a private hospital in Guwahati, where she passed away on Tuesday.
Her mother expressed frustration over the lack of communication regarding her daughter’s condition. “She called me on September 4, saying she was unwell and in the hospital. The institute did not provide any proper updates about the seriousness of her situation,” she lamented.
The mother claimed that a teacher had assured her that Shruti was recovering and in contact with the doctor.
“When I arrived at the hospital, I could hardly recognize my daughter. Her body was severely swollen, and she was in excruciating pain. I could only identify her by her clothing,” she recounted.
Sources among the students indicated that doctors at the Guwahati hospital identified a serious issue with Shruti’s appendix, with some suggesting it may have ruptured.
However, the precise cause of death and whether any negligence played a role has yet to be officially determined.
The Kamrup-Metro unit of the All Assam Students’ Union has voiced support for the students and called for strict action if negligence is proven.
The students emphasized that their demands extend beyond Shruti’s case, advocating for a comprehensive reform of LNIPE’s emergency medical system to avert similar tragedies in the future.