NALSAR Tragedy Shakes Justice City; ABVP Urges NHRC Intervention
(Judicial Quest News Network)
Hyderabad, October 2, 2025 — A cloud of controversy has engulfed NALSAR University of Law following the sudden and unexplained death of final-year BA LLB student Sahastranshu Pandey during a campus get-together on the intervening night of September 20–21. The incident occurred at the university’s Shahmeerpet campus, prompting widespread concern and calls for accountability.
Sequence of Events and Medical Response
According to preliminary reports, Pandey experienced health complications during the late-night gathering. He was initially rushed to a private hospital on Alwal Main Road and later moved to another facility near Suchitra Junction. Despite these efforts, he was declared dead. The body was reportedly shifted to his native place in Raipur without undergoing a post-mortem, raising serious questions about procedural lapses.
Police and Institutional Silence
Shamirpet Police confirmed they were not informed by either the university or the hospitals involved. The absence of communication and the hurried transfer of the body have sparked outrage among student groups and civil society organizations.
University Response and Suspension of Classes
NALSAR authorities have suspended all classes until October 1, with academic activities scheduled to resume on October 6. Officials stated that an independent inquiry committee, including external members, is being considered to investigate the incident.
ABVP Demands Full-Fledged Probe
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into what it calls a “mysterious death.” ABVP Hyderabad Secretary Prithviraj questioned the lack of a police case, the absence of a post-mortem, and the university’s decision to declare an unprecedented 12-day holiday. He also criticized the campus for lacking basic health infrastructure, CCTV surveillance, and hostel supervision.
ABVP Raises Sharp Questions
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has launched a scathing attack on the university administration, alleging gross negligence and deliberate suppression of facts.
Hyderabad ABVP Secretary Prithviraj demanded a full-fledgedinquiry, questioning:
- Why no police case was registered immediately.
- Why the body was shifted in haste without a post-mortem.
- Why the university declared an unusual 12-day holiday in the aftermath.
Petition Filed with NHRC
ABVP has filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which is currently pending under diary number 115586/2025.
Allegations of Drug Culture and Campus Mismanagement
An independent investigation by the Judicial Quest News Network JQNS has found the presence of a drug and rave party culture on campus. The report also claims that a female student may have been involved in the incident and was asked by authorities to return to her hometown until tensions subside.
The group further accused a faction of “pseudo-liberal” students of dominating campus discourse and contributing to a growing regional divide between students from northern and southern India.
Controversial Appointment and Governance Concerns
Adding to the turmoil, the appointment of Professor Emeritus Amita Danda—reportedly against the Academic Council’s recommendation—has drawn criticism. She is said to be receiving a monthly salary of ₹4,00,000. Critics argue that the university’s governance is deteriorating, pointing to the lack of CCTV coverage in key areas including the library, administrative block, classrooms, and hostel corridors.
Campus at Crossroads
The tragic death of Sahastranshu Pandey has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about student safety, campus culture, and administrative transparency at one of India’s premier law universities. As calls for accountability grow louder, all eyes are on NALSAR’s next steps in restoring trust and ensuring justice.
