Kerala Vows to Crack Down on Students Involved in Ragging Horror
Kerala Ragging Incident Sparks Outrage and Calls for Action
The recent viral video of a horrific ragging incident at a Kerala college has shocked the nation and prompted swift action from authorities. Senior students involved in the incident will face the strictest action, according to officials. The state government has ordered an investigation into the matter, while the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a report from the state police within 10 days.
Arrests Made in Connection with Ragging Case
Five third-year students from Kottayam Government Nursing College were arrested in connection with the brutal assault on first-year students. The arrested students, identified as Rahul Raj, NS Jeeva, NP Vivek, Rigil Jeeth, and Samuel Johnson, were seen in the viral video laughing and making lewd comments while subjecting a junior student to physical and mental torture.
Allegations of Prolonged Ragging and Extortion
Junior students at the college have alleged that the viscous ragging has been ongoing for nearly three months. The police investigation revealed that the ragging began in November 2024, shortly after the first-year students started their classes. The seniors reportedly extorted money from juniors on Sundays to purchase liquor.
NHRC Condemns the Incident
The NHRC has condemned the incident at the Kerala college as “morally reprehensible.” According to the NHRC, the junior student subjected to the ragging incident reported that the seniors coerced juniors into transferring money online and subjected them to physical and mental torture. The NHRC stated that such actions are not only morally wrong but also illegal.
Government and Opposition Response
Health Minister Veena George announced that the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) had received a preliminary report from the nursing school where the incident occurred. The nursing school has already suspended the students involved in the ragging case. The Congress-led opposition UDF has alleged that the accused in the ragging incident have connections with the Left student organization, SFI.
Assurances of Strict Action
Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu has assured that strict action will be taken against the accused in the Kottayam ragging case. The SFI has denied any involvement with the accused students. The arrested students have been charged under the Prohibition of Ragging Act and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Moving Forward
As the investigation into the Kerala ragging incident continues, authorities are under pressure to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future. The need for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent ragging in educational institutions has been highlighted by this disturbing incident. It is essential for all stakeholders to work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for students to learn and grow without fear of harassment or violence.