By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 18: NEHU on Tuesday strongly condemned the reckless driving by a drunken security guard that resulted in a tragic accident in which two female students of the University suffered critical injuries.
In a statement, NEHU Registrar in-charge Saurabh Kumar Dixit said an FIR has been filed, and the concerned section of the University has been instructed to prepare and submit a detailed report at the earliest.
He said that the university extends its heartfelt support, sympathy, and prayers to the injured students and their families during this extremely difficult time. The University remains in contact with the families and is monitoring their condition, he added.
The University urged immediate deletion and removal of any video footage or images of the accident currently circulating on social media or other platforms.
“The continued sharing of such graphic content is causing immense mental anguish and constitutes a serious invasion of privacy at a critical moment for the families. We urge everyone to act with sensitivity, empathy, and respect by refraining from sharing and by removing any such content,” the statement added.
Ampareen seeks suo-motu action
Adviser to the Government, Ampareen Lyngdoh, on Tuesday urged the police to take suo-motu action against the driver.
Lyngdoh, who had attended the NEHUSU Fresher’s Meet earlier in the day, was informed of the accident at around 9.45 p.m. when NEHUSU leaders called her from Shillong Civil Hospital. She immediately rushed to the hospital.
Terming the incident “an unforgivable crime,” Lyngdoh said the two videos of the accident circulating online were “sufficient to establish the occurrence” and strong enough for the police to act.
“It is an understatement to say punishment of the highest order should be given to such heartless criminals. The video sends shivers down my spine,” she said, adding that no parent should have to face such trauma.
She urged East Khasi Hills SP Vivek Syiem to personally look into what she described as “unacceptable behaviour.”
Recounting the events of the night, Lyngdoh said NEHUSU members called her frantically, informing her of the grievous accident involving the two students.
“When I reached Civil Hospital, I was shocked to see their condition,” she said.
A specialist doctor at Shillong Civil Hospital advised the immediate transfer of Stephanie, who had suffered a brain bleed, to Nazareth Hospital.
Daritngen, who sustained multiple injuries to her hip, leg, and jaw, was also shifted to Nazareth Hospital.
Lyngdoh visited the girls again on Tuesday afternoon. Stephanie was responding to treatment, while Daritngen remained in severe pain and was not responding well.
“The condition of both these young girls is not good. But I am confident the doctors will do whatever it takes,” she said.
Understanding the financial constraints of the students’ families, Lyngdoh ensured that their MHIS cards were activated immediately and said she is closely coordinating with the MHIS team to prevent out-of-pocket expenses, which could become substantial.
The adviser said the two students had just stepped out of the NEHU library for a cup of tea while preparing for an exam scheduled for the next day.
“It is heartbreaking. We should all pray for them,” she added, expressing gratitude to Nazareth Hospital for the care being provided.
