In the complaint, the girl student from Singhbhum of Jharkhand alleged that three of her seniors beat her in the hostel. Due to the assault, she suffered internal injuries in her hand, chin, and teeth, the complainant said.
After the ragging, the victim reportedly took up the issue with the disciplinary committee of the institution on February 20. But the accused students did not turn up for the hearing of the committee, the victim alleged.
Subsequently, the victim student and her family lodged a complaint against the three students at the Bharatpur Police Station.
In her complaint, the victim said, "I was constantly beaten and tortured from 14th to 16th February from 2.30 am till 5 am.”
She stated that she visited a doctor and the medical report pointed out a soft tissue rupture on the left shoulder, a punctured chin, and injured teeth. She also alleged that the accused students charged her with practicing black magic.
She also pointed out that she has lost six months of studies while her last-term examination is underway.
No reaction from varsity authorities & police was received.
The dean in charge of the medical college on Saturday informed about the punishment handed out to the students. While two students, who reportedly assaulted the second-year student, have been debarred from visiting the college campus for two months, two other students who had provided lifts to those senior students have been restricted from the college campus for one week.
On February 9, a second-year MBBS student from Balasore was allegedly beaten up by two seniors. The victim, an inmate of the gents' hostel, was coming to his room from band rehearsals when two senior students assaulted him. He sustained injuries in his face and neck.
The matter came to light after the father of the victim MBBS student lodged a complaint with Baidyanathpur Police after learning about the incident. The family members also brought the matter to the notice of MKCG authorities, SP, and other officials through a social media post on X (Formerly known as Twitter).
The victim student had also reported the incident to the anti-ragging cell of the institution following which a probe was launched.
As per initial reports, the second year MBBS student from Balasore was allegedly beaten up by two seniors. The incident occurred on February 9, 2024. The matter came to light after the father of the victim MBBS student lodged a complaint with Baidyanathpur police after getting information about the incident.
It is alleged that the second year MBBS student was staying in the gents hostel and was beaten up allegedly by two seniors when he was returning from band rehearsals.
The victim second year MBBS student has sustained injuries on the face and neck in the assault. The family members have also brought the matter to the notice of MKCG authorities, SP and other officials through a social media post on X (Formerly known as Twitter).
Meanwhile, MKCG Principal Prof Santosh Mishra, “The Second year student has reported the matter to the anti-ragging cell. After getting information, an inquiry has been launched and necessary steps will be taken by the cell after the investigation.”
Acting on the complaint, the Commissionerate police has started an investigation.
Reportedly, two students have sustained injuries in the alleged raging followed by an attack by four senior students of the institution.
The family members of the injured students have also lodged a complaint at the Bhubaneswar DCP office.
Reports said, four junior students of the management college were ragged and attacked by 3rd year students in their hostel room at around 11.30 pm on Saturday.
The victim student alleged in his complaint that the senior students called him and others to a room and not only ragged them but also attacked them with iron rods and blunt objects.
Following the attack, two of them sustained injuries in their ears and they were subsequently admitted to Capital Hospital.
In their complaint, the family members of the injured students alleged that some seniors also threatened the juniors with life if the latter took up the issue with the college authorities.
Taking serious note of the alleged ragging, Saheed Nagar police has started an investigation into the incident.
Investigators have also found that the teen was "sexually molested" and the arrested 12 people, including present and former students of the varsity, "had played active roles" in the entire episode, leading to the Nadia teen's death, a senior police officer said on Tuesday.
"The teen was definitely ragged and sexually molested. He was paraded naked in the corridor after he was forced to undress in room no. 70. We have evidence," the officer told PTI.
Kolkata Police investigators have got hold of a WhatsApp group created by one of the arrested accused, he said, adding, it was done to "misdirect cops".
"Probe also revealed that those arrested had planned to misdirect police so that the ragging part could be concealed," the officer said.
On Tuesday, police questioned the cook of the hostel to find out more about the August 9 incident, he said.
Two other students of the varsity have been summoned to appear before the investigators for questioning in connection with the probe.
The teen died after falling from the second-floor balcony of the main boys' hostel near the campus on the night of August 9.
His family has alleged he was a victim of ragging and sexual molestation.
The deceased has been identified as Rojalin Patra, a third-year electrical engineering student. As per sources, Rojalin was a brilliant student and selected for four campus placements.
Tension erupted on the college premises after the family members, relatives of the deceased along with the villagers created a ruckus holding the college authorities responsible for her death. They also accused some college students of abetting her to take the extreme step.
“A male student had texted my daughter saying that she got selected for four campus placements. But he threatened not to allow her to sit in the campus recruitments and thrash her with slippers. She was so frightened that she told us that she would no longer stay in the college. Another student also attempted to beat her yesterday,” alleged the deceased’s mother.
“She didn’t disclose this before the college authorities fearing action from the students involved,” she added.
Echoing the same, the deceased’s uncle alleged, “The students were intimidating her saying they wouldn’t let her be number one in the college. The college authorities are fully responsible for my niece’s death because they hadn’t intimated the things going on in the college to the family members.”
On being informed, police reached Biraja Hostel and found Rojalin’s body hanging from the fan. They brought down the body and sent it for post-mortem.
Later, IICs from Korei and Jajpur Road police stations also reached the college to thwart any kind of law and order situation.
A detailed probe is underway.
Reactions from the college authorities were yet to be obtained.
(Reported by Janmenjay Dash, OTV)
It is alleged that four students including Debasish and Kailash intercepted the girl student and misbehaved with her while she was returning home after college on January 3. The four students also allegedly threatened the girl’s brother to attack and assault him.
Jibanand Tripathy, Principal of Aska Science College, informed that earlier several complaints of gross indiscipline and misconduct were received against the student Debasish Swain and a notice was also served three months back.
“The parents of Debasish had also given a written undertaking and the staff council had also recommended to hand over compulsory transfer certificate to him. The Anti Ragging Cell and Disciplinary Committee had also recommended the same,” said Tripathy.
Based on the written complaint filed by the girl student, the college had reported the matter to police and transfer certificate was sent to his parents, he said.
“As two other students are first-year students, we have served a notice and asked their parents to depose before the committee. If no change is observed in the conduct of these students, we will issue transfer certificates to them in subsequent phases,” Tripathy added.
As per the notice issued by the office of the Principal, the seven students have been permanently suspended from the campus following the recommendation of the anti-ragging committee.
“As per the recommendation of Anti-Ragging Committee, following students are permanently suspended from the campus. If they are found in the campus, police is free to take appropriate legal action against them,” the notice read.
The students who have been suspended are Sudam Choudhury, Partha Das, D.Kirana Patrudu, K.Narasingha Patra, Mousam Behera, S.Goutam Rao and Kanha Sabat.
The members of Anti-Ragging Committee and Squad and Discipline have been directed to intimate immediately the local police station, if these students are seen on and around the campus.
However, the higher secondary school authorities will allow the students to appear in the annual examination.
As per the allegations, a Plus II first year girl student of the junior college had alleged mental harassment by some second year students. She alleged that the accused boy students from the senior batch followed her to the classroom and ragged her. Immediately, a probe was ordered and action was initiated on basis of allegations.
Reported by Ashok Brahma, OTV
The incident came to the fore after the victim’s mother lodged a complaint in this connection. In the FIR, the complainant has alleged that she had narrated her son’s ordeal to the school authorities, but they paid no heed.
The incident has been reported from Gurukul International School in Gosaninuagaon area of Berhampur. The victim on several occasions was allegedly beaten up by his seniors who threatened him with dire consequences if he revealed about his torture to anyone.
However, the boy narrated his ordeal to his mother who tried to bring the matter to the notice of the school authorities, but to no avail. With no options left, she then approached the local police and lodged a complaint.
The Saffron party, BJP has severely condemned the heinous act and demanded action in this connection. However, the school authorities refrained from commenting in the issue.
In a similar incident, authorities of Orissa School of Mining Engineering (OSME), Keonjhar imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 each on 82 3rd year students for allegedly ragging 2nd year students.
This apart, the students will also be barred from availing books from the college library during 5th and final semesters. The action was taken after the victim students submitted a written complaint to the Principal.
A few days back, a purported video of a student of Binayak Acharya College in Berhampur ragging his juniors surfaced on the internet. In the video, a student can be seen holding a plastic pipe and asking his junior- a boy and a girl- to act as a couple. They are being forced to kiss each other. The raggers can also be seen abusing and thrashing the duo in presence of the other students.
Similarly, another such incident was reported from Khalikote Junior College where a girl student was allegedly subjected to ragging and torture within the institute’s premises by her seniors.
As per the allegations, a few boys from the senior batch followed the Plus II first-year girl to the classroom and ragged her.
Similarly, a second-year engineering student was allegedly ragged and beaten up by his seniors at the prestigious Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla. According to the complainant, a group of his seniors first ragged him and brutally thrashed him, threatening him against speaking about the torture to anyone.
The unabated rise in ragging in Odisha has become a matter of concern. While ragging is usually reported from colleges, the spurt in cases of ragging in schools has become matter of concern for guardians and parents.
The incident reportedly occurred late Wednesday night. The matter came to the fore after the victim called the local police and narrated his ordeal.
Today morning, a police team visited the University and took the student to the police station where he produced a written complaint.
According to the complainant, a group of his seniors first ragged him then they threatened and brutally thrashed him.
“I am a student of VSSUT second year in Electronics and Telecommunication. Today (November 23) at night around 2 am, I was harassed by my seniors. I had gone downstairs to the general store inside our hostel premises which was closed. While I was returning, around 15-17 seniors stopped me and started beating me. They also strangled my hoodie around my neck and warned me not to complain any one otherwise they will boycott me and throw me out of my class and college,” said the victim.
When contacted, the University Vice Chancellor said that necessary action will be taken against the accused seniors as per the law if they are found guilty.
Recently, a video of a couple of student being ragged and harassed at government run Binayak Acharya College at Berhampur went viral on social media.
Later, the college authorities rusticated 12 students for their alleged involvement in ragging of a boy and a girl student.
The fresh ragging incident was reported from Nabrangpur Polytechnic College where a student was allegedly subjected to ragging and was beaten by his seniors on the institute premises.
As per the allegations, Bajrang Panjia, a second-year Mechanical student of the Polytechnic College was mentally harassed by his seniors. A few boys from the senior batch even allegedly thrashed him.
“The third-year students had a meeting and called me. Where they tried to snatch my mobile phone and one of the students named Lipun Swain punched me in my face,” said Bajrang.
On the other hand, the accused third-year student, Lipun Swain, has refuted the ragging allegations and said that “There has been no ragging.” He also denied hitting Bajrang.
Meanwhile, the college authorities have denied the ragging charges and said that it was only a clash between the juniors and seniors.
“Our institute is ragging-free. There s no truth in the incident. They are only creating an issue out of a trivial incident,” asserted Baijaynta Kumar Ray, principal of the college.
However, Bajrang’s family members alleged that the college has remained indifferent towards ragging allegations on the campus and filed a complaint against the senior student at Nabarangpur Police station demanding strict action.
Earlier, a video of a ragging incident at Binayak Acharya College in Berhampur had gone viral on social media following which five students involved in the incident were rusticated from the college.
(Reported By Nabaghan Bisoyi)
As per the allegations, the Plus II first-year girl student of the Khalikote Junior College was mentally harassed by her seniors. A few boys from the senior batch followed her to the classroom and ragged her.
Though the girl didn’t mention any particular name, she has filed a written complaint with the college administration.
Meanwhile, the college administration has assured to form a standing committee to investigate the matter. After the truth is uncovered, stringent action will be taken against the accused, assured Radhanath Nayak, principal of the college.
“A girl has filed a written complaint in which she has mentioned that some boys from her senior batch have been disturbing her and intruding into the classroom during ongoing classes,” informed Nayak.
“We received the written complaint today and I have instructed the head of the 9-member standing committee to look into the matter,” he added.
Further, he said, “We have written undertakings from every student that they won’t get involved in any such incidents of ragging. Once we receive any complaints of ragging, action will be taken as recommended by the standing committee.”
It is pertinent to mention here that earlier a verbal complaint was filed regarding another ragging incident in the college. As many as 10 students involved in the incident were suspended from the college for 10 days.
On Thursday, the college authorities decided to rusticate 12 students for their alleged involvement in ragging of a boy and a girl student. So far, police have arrested five students, three of whom were produced in a local court while the rest two who are juveniles have been sent to a child welfare home.
As per reports, prime accused Abhishek was studying in Plus-3 second year and was Biju Chhatra Janata Dal's appointee as the convenor of the Campus Committee of Binayak Acharya College.
Questions have been raised if Abhishek thought he would go scotfree because of the fact that he was an active member of the BCJD.
Sanatan Sahu, Ganjam district's Yuva Congress president said, "BJD always has regard for goons. All such goons are considered for different positions in the party. The result is right before us today. Before his (Abhishek's) appointment as coordinator (convenor) of the Binayak Acharya campus committee, many cases were pending against him. The BCJD president should immediately resign for choosing such criminals for party positions."
The convenor of Ragging Free Campus Abhiyan Tejeswar Parida blamed the state government for rising menace of ragging. "The first and foremost thing for the state government is to allow the student election to happen. Or else instances of ragging will continue like this. The state government and the education department should be held responsible for what has happened in Binayak Acharya College. The anti-ragging cell is only on pen and paper, function-wise it has zero activity. Why is no action being taken against Principals, wardens and other staff?" questioned Parida.
The latest viral video of Binayak Acharya college shows a student holding a plastic pipe and asking a junior boy and girl student to act as a couple, and also abusing and thrashing them as a few other college-mates enjoyed watching all this unfold.
No comments could be obtained from BJD leaders in this regard.
(Reported by Ashok Brahma)
The college authorities’ action came following a direction from the district police.
“On the report of the victim of the viral video Badabazaar PS case no 308/2022 U/s 294/292 (A)/342/323/3534(A)/354(B)/509/506/34 IPC rw 12 POCSO rw sec 67/67(B) I.T Act as been registered. Main accused Abhisekh Nahal (24 yrs) and Bablu Panda (18 yrs) has been arrested so far. Further one 16 yr old boy, another 16 yr old boy and one 17 yr old boy have been detained for questioning. Police will recommend the college administration rusticate the two arrested students from Binayak Acharya College,” read a press note of the police.
However, later the number of arrests increased to five. Of them, three majors were produced in a local court while the rest two who are juveniles were sent to a child welfare home.
Informing about the action against the students, Principal Pramila Khadanga said, “After coming to know about yesterday’s ragging incident, a meeting involving anti-ragging committee and discipline committee members was convened today at 9.30 am. After going through the report submitted to me, a decision has been taken that all the students involved in the incident would be served compulsory TC.”
The college administration later took the decision to rusticate seven others, increasing the total number of penalized students to 12.
In the purported video of the ragging incident, a male student can be seen misbehaving with a female student while the friends of the former appearing to be enjoying what was going on.
After the matter came to the fore, both the college authorities and police swung into action and took action against the accused student. The police arrested two students under the POCSO Act and several relevant sections of IPC.
Meanwhile, Berhampur superintendent of police visited the college and took a stock of the situation. “The rusticated students will have to pay heavily for their act. They will face problems in getting government jobs and drawing Passport in their names,” informed Berhampur SP Saravana Vivek.
“All colleges should have an internal anti-ragging cell. Teachers, senior students and parents should be its members. If a new batch is subjected to ragging, the victimized student(s) should inform the cell. In turn, the cell will investigate the allegations. If the nature of the ragging is found to be minor, the students would be let go only with a warning. But if the nature of the ragging is found to be of criminal type, the cell should inform the police for action against the precipitators,” said SP Saravana Vivek.
(Reported Ashok Brahma from Berhampur, OTV)
According to the allegations levelled by Rojalin Biswal against her seniors of girls’ hostel, she was meted out mental harassment by her seniors at girls’ hostel. Besides, she has accused her seniors of circulating her number to their boyfriends who used to call her from different numbers and used derogatory remarks for her.
When she wanted to leave hostel, she was not allowed to take her books and other belongings.
Though she brought the matter to the notice of hostel warden, her compliant was allegedly not heard. She even reportedly informed the college authorities about how she was being subjected to ragging, but in vain.
That’s not all. She filed a complaint with Nimapara police. However, her efforts did not yield positive results as police allegedly kept mum on the issue.
Finding no other go, she approached Minister Dash with the help of the Utkal Student Association seeking his intervention into the matter.
Assuring the victim of justice, Dash reportedly asked the girl student not to file complaint against the boys who used to misbehave with her over phone.
Tanmay Swain, member of Mo College Governing Body, said, “Ragging is completely prohibited in higher education institutions for which students are made to write an undertaking in this regard during admission. Also, anti-ragging cells are being made operational at educational institutions as part of measures to avoid recurrence of ragging related incidents.”
“A special team should be formed to investigate the matter. She should bring it to the notice of the college principal who can resolve the issue,” Swain said.
Sulagna Patnaik, superintendent of the girls’ hostel, said, “We are looking after each and every problem of the girls at the hostel. The authorities concerned should sort out the issue so that study of students would not be affected.”
Reported by Kapilendra Pradhan, OTV
The family members alleged that the student attempted to kill self by consuming poison. The student’s brother alleged that he might have resorted to the extreme after being subjected to some ragging at the college.
“My brother was studying in the private ITI. Some students have abused him and he consumed poison without informing anybody at home,” alleged the student’s brother.
The family members further demanded the administration to take concrete measures so that no other student fall victim to ragging menace.
Following the incident, the student was initially rushed to Tihidi and then to Bhadrak district headquarters hospital. Later, he was shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital. The student’s condition is reportedly critical and as he is yet to gain consciousness.
The college authorities could not be contacted for comments on the incident and the allegations.
“We are being forced to have ‘s*x’ with pillows and abuse our fellow girl classmates,” the students alleged. The first year students accused their seniors (mostly third year students) of the heinous crime.
The horror of ragging came to the fore after the first year students lodged a complaint with the Anti Ragging Helpline. They contacted the Anti Ragging Helpline of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and narrated their ordeal.
In the complaint, the victims alleged that their seniors forced them to perform indecent and obscene acts, including unnatural s*x. The seniors then forced them to take the name of any of their female classmates and make derogatory remarks about her.
Swinging into action, the UGC’s anti-ragging unit directed the MGMMC dean, asking him to lodge an FIR. Following the orders, the matter was handed over to the police for appropriate action.
"An aggrieved student had complained to the UGC's anti-ragging helpline a few days ago. Following this, a meeting of the anti-ragging committee was convened immediately on receiving the mail. The committee endorsed an FIR and a letter was sent to the police,” MGM Medical College Dean Dr Sanjay Dixit said.
Speaking on the matter, Sanyogita Ganj police station in-charge Tehzeeb Qazi said, "We have registered a case of ragging on the complaint of MGM College. 8 to 10 students have been booked under Sections 294, 323, 506 of the Anti Ragging Act.”
Ruchika’s suicide note which she had left before hanging herself in her hostel room indicated that she was being ragged by her seniors the stress of which led her to end her life.
Earlier in May this year, a girl student committed suicide by jumping from her hostel roof in Balasore. Similarly, a medical student in Bolangir jumped to death just a month before in April. All these incidents are related to ragging.
It is pertinent to mention here that despite a clear direction by the UGC to form anti-ragging cells, monitoring committees, to hold anti-ragging workshops and installing CCTV cameras in educational institutions, ragging cases continue to rise in the State. While the parents blame absence of a stringent anti-ragging law, the educationists demanded lack of willingness to execute the existing rules on the ground.
Basudev Bhatt, the President of Odisha Parents Association said, “Almost 98% of the ragging cases do not come to fore. And the 2% cases which comes out to our knowledge, no action in those cases leaves a big gap in execution of the law on the ground.”
“We demand an Anti-Ragging Act to be introduced in Odisha. Apart from that the Police should launch a toll-free number for the students to lodge their grievances in connection with ragging,” Bhatt added.
As per Centre’s data, a total of 2790 ragging cases were registered in the country between 2018 and 202, out of which offenders in only 1296 cases were punished.
Worthwhile to mention that States like Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have their own anti-ragging laws under which there are provisions of imprisonment for the guilty students. The accused students will be barred to take admission in other colleges and universities for a certain time too.
According to the Principal of BJB Autonomous college, Dr Niranjan Mishra, “Students generally do not inform such occurrences to their guardians. Unless they inform the authorities or the parents about the ragging, how will the institution know if there is ragging going on.”
Academician, Satyakam Mishra said, “There is no need of another law. The existing UGC directions are sufficient to curb ragging in educational institutes provided they are executed properly. This is spreading like a disease because of lack of action against the perpetrators and poor execution of the law.”
In her suicide note, the deceased student mentioned that she was ending her life as three senior students had been harassing her mentally.
The student’s father Ganeswar Mohanty alleged the college authorities had been protecting the three students who are responsible for their daughter’s death.
“We are demanding for a CBI enquiry, identification of culprits and exemplary punishment to them so that no parents would suffer the situation we are going through,” said Ganeswar.
Coming out in the support of the parents, members of Naba Nirmana Chhatra Sangathan also joined them in the sit-in.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Odisha State Commission for Women Minati Behera visited the college. She interacted with the hostel warden and students to find out what circumstances forced Ruchika to take an extreme step.
“Since the investigation is underway, I can’t reveal what we unearthed during our investigation. Another thing I would like to share that we wish proper care of girl students should be taken wherever they are staying,” Behera maintained.
Back in the deceased student’s village Kakhadi in Cuttack district, her friends and village youths took out a candle rally praying for the eternal peace for the departed soul.
They urged all students to join in the fight to give justice to Ruchika.
Richa Mishra, a Commerce student of the institute, had ended her life on November 18, 2005. The suicide note she had left behind had led to the arrest of three lecturers.
In her suicide note, Richa had mentioned that three lecturers of the college had been harassing her and awarded less marks in the examinations after she refused to take private tuition from them.
Eight months later, three lecturers of the institution were arrested after the deceased’s allegations were proved.
Now, Ruchika Mohanty taking her life has added another chapter of suicidal death to BJB Autonomous College’s history.
Ruchika’s father Ganeswar Mohanty, while crying inconsolably said, “I had never imagined that my daughter would end life due to ragging in a college like BJB Autonomous College. They have killed my daughter.”
In this regard, Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh informed, “Badagada police have launched an investigation into the BJB College’s Plus 3 first year student committing suicide after registering an unnatural death case.”
In the notice, the Commission has directed the recipients to submit a detailed report of the death within four weeks.
First-year MBBS student and a native of Haryana, Nishant Kumar of Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir reportedly died after falling off the hostel roof on April 22.
However, his parents alleged he was a victim of ragging. Later, the surfacing of Nishant's mobile chats with his friends had lent credence to the ragging theory in a big way.
In a chat with his friend, who stays abroad, Nishant mentioned how he was subjected to ragging on the campus. He then went on to narrate how the seniors had prevented juniors from playing in the playground and visiting the park. In the chat, Nishant had even mentioned that he couldn't muster the courage to complain about the ragging to college authorities.
However, the Dean of the medical college Sabita Mohapatra on April 22 dismissed the allegation of ragging behind the suicide. She had said, "There is no question of ragging as the college has an active anti-raging squad."
When Savitri Behera, a Plus 2 second-year student of Prince Residential College in Balasore reportedly fell off from her hostel building on the night of May 18 (Wednesday), the incident sparked another speculation with some terming it a case of ragging and murder.
As per reports, Savitri had spoken to his father over mobile phone at 9 pm on Wednesday. After just two hours, Savitri again called his father to complain that some of her roommates and the hostel warden are heckling her accusing her of stealing Rs 200 from another girl from the hostel.
At around 1 am on Thursday, the college authorities called Savitri’s father to inform him that their daughter has fallen off the hostel room and is injured. By the time her parents reached Balasore, Savitri was already dead.
While her mother alleged that the hostel warden and some roommates have killed Savitri over the money issue, the college authorities seem to be hell-bent to show it as a case of suicide.
Speaking to reporters, Savitri’s mother, Padmabati Behera said, “She was crying over phone that night saying her roommates have falsely branded her as a thief. She asked her father to send Rs 200, so that she can give it to the girl whose money was stolen, to shut them up.”
“My husband tried to contact the hostel warden over the issue, but the warden did not pick up the phone. I am sure the hostel warden and some roommates have killed her after torturing her over the stolen money,” Padmavati alleged.
However, the College Principal, Prabhat Kumar Mishra denied the allegation and said, “The warden had tried to pacify her over the theft issue and told her to resolve it in the morning in the college. But the girl became hyper sentimental over the accusation and took the extreme step.”
A murder case in this connection has been registered at the Sadar Police station in Balasore following the complaint of the parents of the deceased.
Padarabinda Tripathy the SDPO of Balasore Sadar said, “We have registered a case under Section- 302. We are in the preliminary stage of the investigation. We will be able to confirm the cause of death only after the probe is over.”
With a spurt of ragging cases in Odisha colleges and universities, if the allegations of Savitri’s parents prove to be right then the issue of ragging cannot be ruled out in this case too.
Recently, on April 22, a first-year MBBS student of Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir died after reportedly falling off the hostel roof.
A close relative of the deceased MBBS student levelled ragging allegations. The uncle of the deceased said that their ward was calling home for the past four days to narrate the ordeal.
As per a statement by UGC, a total of 207 ragging cases were registered in Odisha in four years, between 2013 and 2017.
Educationist Kamala Prasad Mohapatra said, “There is a need to strictly implement the anti- ragging law.”
As per the allegation, the student who was a boarder of the college hostel was subjected to ragging by the senior mate on the night of May 7.
Soon after, a group of MBBS students filed a complaint at the Dean’s office following which an FIR was lodged at Baidyanathpur police station.
Berhampur SP, Saravana Vivek said a case has been registered following a complaint by the Dean of the medical college.
Preliminary investigation has revealed that the second year students including the boy were organizing an informal cultural event in the campus. However, a senior resident doctor ragged him.
“We have recorded the statements of the Dean and the complainant and have launched a probe in this connection,” he added.
As per the police, they have also collected some video evidence and a notice has been issued to the accused.
“We will take appropriate action against the accused as per the law,” the SP said.
It is pertinent to mention here that a first-year MBBS student of Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir had died after reportedly falling off the hostel roof on April 22.
A close relative of the deceased MBBS student levelled ragging allegations. The uncle of the deceased said that their ward was calling home for the past four days to narrate the ordeal.
The first year MBBS student in Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir, who was a native of Haryana, had fallen to death from the hostel roof on April 22.
In a chat with his friend, who stays abroad, Nishant mentioned how he was subjected to ragging on the campus. He then went on to narrate how the seniors had prevented juniors from playing in the playground and visiting the park. In the chat, Nishant had even mentioned that he couldn't muster the courage to complain about the ragging to college authorities.
The surfacing of another chat, believed to be between two friends of Nishant, where they too had a conversation about the ragging of Nishant by seniors, thickens the ragging plot in the medico suicide case.
The chats make the claims of Dean of the medical college Sabita Mohapatra look quite intriguing. Mohapatra on Friday had dismissed the allegation of ragging behind the suicide. She said, "There is no question of ragging as the college has an active anti-raging squad."
The Dean's statement came in reply to the allegations levelled by the family members of the deceased medical student that ragging is the reason behind their son’s death.
"My son had been psychologically tormented and later murdered," charged an inconsolable mother on Saturday.
The information was shared by Minister of State for Education Annpurna Devi in response to a written question in the Lok Sabha.
According to data available with the University Grants Commission (UGC), a total of 2,790 complaints of ragging were received since 2018.
Sharing details of punishment given to perpetrators of reported cases of ragging, the minister said 620 accused have been suspended while 43 have been imposed a fine. As many as 616 perpetrators have been issued a warning, while 17 have faced rustication.
"UGC has made it mandatory for all institutions to incorporate in their prospectus the directions of the government regarding prohibition and consequences of ragging. A nationwide toll free 24x7 anti-ragging helpline -- 1800-180-5522 -- in 12 languages has been established which can be accessed by students in distress owing to ragging related incidents.
"An anti-ragging website has been developed. The portal contains record of registered complaints received and the status of the action taken thereon. UGC has constituted Coordination Committee and Inter Council Committee for effective measures of anti-ragging in higher educational institutions, Devi said.
Reports stated that some first year IMBA students alleged that they were stripped naked and ragged inside the hostel premises by their seniors.
However, the allegations triggered sharp reactions on the campus premises leading to a clash between junior and senior students.
Several vehicles were ransacked during the clash. The complaint students gheraoed the Vice-Chancellor’s office as a mark of protest on Friday.
According to sources, the victim sustained severe injuries and was even admitted to Burla Hospital for treatment. Injury marks could also be spotted on the victim’s face, ear, back and hands. On being informed, the parents of the 3rd year student reached the varsity and consulted the administration.
A complaint in this regard has been lodged with the anti-ragging cell of the university. A discussion was also held with the Dean Students' Welfare over the matter. The University administration authorities questioned some fourth year students named by the victim in this regard.
This is not for the first time that an instance of ragging has surfaced at the university. The university is allegedly infamous for several such ragging incidents in the past. Earlier in March this year, a second year student had also brought ragging allegations against his seniors.
According to sources, a third year student of the institute was allegedly ragged and thrashed by a fourth year student inside a hostel of the university.
The victim sustained grievous injuries on his face, back and hand in the physical harassment, sources added.
The victim has lodged a complaint with the anti-ragging cell of the university and a discussion is underway with the Dean Students' Welfare over the matter.
Earlier in March this year, a second year student had also brought ragging allegations against his seniors.
The university disciplinary committee and anti-ragging cell had initiated a probe following a complaint by the victim. The disciplinary panel had questioned some forth year students who were identified by the victim.
The higher education department, in an effort to prevent cases of ragging and eve teasing in educational institutes across the state, has brought in a few new rules.
“Ragging in any form will not be tolerated in colleges. Even eve teasing, verbal abuse and winking at a girl will invite strict action,” Higher Education Minister Ananta Das said today.
"Stringent action will be taken against students involved in such act. If need arises, the students will be expelled as well," Das said, adding that a circular regarding this will soon be issued to all educational institutions by the Higher Education Department.
Earlier on July 23, the Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar, in response to a written question in the Rajya Sabha, had said that 47 ragging cases were reported in Odisha in 2017 against 30 cases in 2015 and 28 in 2016. A total of 1,839 complaints of ragging were received by the UGC in the last three years.
Out of the total ragging incidents, students have been punished in 812 cases, including suspension in 309 cases, Javadekar had stated.
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On the other hand, replying to a query on HRD Ministry’s report on ragging, Das had said that he would comment on the matter only after getting a detailed report.
In one such incident at Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Sambalpur of Odisha, one student has been penalised with a 'year back' for ragging 2nd year students while disciplinary action has been initiated against 19 other students.
As per the complaint filed, 2nd year students were allegedly harassed for 15 days. The juniors were instructed to bow down while passing seniors and were also ragged inside hostels, the complaint mentioned.
Things started to get worse in the last few days during which the hair of a student was forcibly chopped off.
"Such incidents of ragging are condemnable. Even though many students don't support it there are some unsocial elements," a student, Soumyaranjan Panda said.
On the other hand, the Vice-Chancellor of the university said that ragging will never be tolerated in the campus.
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"Ragging will not at all be tolerated in the campus. The student who has been penalised with a 'year back' will be rusticated soon," Vice-chancellor Atal Chaudhury said.
The victim identified as a second year Sanskrit student Suryakant Mohapatra, in his complaint at the Malgodown police station alleged that he was assaulted by a group of seniors from the MBA department inside his hostel.
As per reports, Suryakant had posted few comments on a Facebook post, by one of his seniors that was in support of a particular political party. This infuriated the senior who, accompanied by his friends, barged into Suryankant’s room on Wednesday night and thrashed him.
Following the incident, the victim informed the hostel warden and lodged a police complaint alleging ragging by seniors.
"They abused and thrashed me and forced me to delete my post on social media. Not only that, they also threatened to kill me," Suryakant said.
Meanwhie, the medical examination of Suryakant is completed and investigation is underway. However the University authorities and Police are yet to comment on the matter.
Sources informed that the students were ragged by the seniors over some issues pertaining to power cut on hostel premises. A number of third year girl students have alleged that they were ragged by the fourth year students and were abused and denied food, sources added.
Following the incident one of the starving students fell ill and was admitted to the hospital.
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"We had approached the superintendent with our problems and it did not go down well with the fourth year students. Hence, the seniors made all the 18 juniors stand in a queue and harassed them."
Confirming the allegations, college principal, Trilochan Sahoo said "Third year girl students have lodged a written complaint alleging mental harassment and ragging. A complete investigation will be carried out by the college authorities."
Shreyas' parents alleged that the PM Palem police of Andhra Pradesh that is investigating the case, has not included names of the college authorities in the chargesheet filed before the Juvenile Justice Board, Visakhapatnam on April 17.
"The PM Palem police have filed chargesheet in the case but they have not conducted probe on basis of the FIR lodged by me. The investigation is not satisfactory. The college authorities had not informed me when my son was in distress after being assaulted in the college hostel," said father of the deceased student.
Shreyas hailing from Sambalpur had died while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on January 6, 2018 after being allegedly assaulted by four students of Sri Chaintanya College in Visakhapatnam.
Shreyas family had requested Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to ensure proper investigation into the matter after which Patnaik spoke to his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu demanding the probe to be carried by an independent agency.
The startling revelation could now possibly act as a major piece of evidence and change the course of investigation into the death of Shreyas due to alleged ragging by friends at a college in Visakhapatnam.
Director of Capital Hospital, Chitaranjan Kar informed that the post mortem report clearly states that there was heart contusion and pulmonary embolism prior to Shreyas’ death.
"As per the findings from the autopsy, there were internal injuries to the heart of the deceased. The report has been submitted to police for necessary action," said Kar.
"After questioning the doctors at the private hospital, we have found that the student died of some heart problems and the matter is now under investigation," said investigating officer Laxman Murthy of PM Palem police station in Visakhapatnam.
Shreyas, who was studying in Sri Chaitanya College in Visakhapatnam, was allegedly beaten up by senior students in hostel in December last year. He was admitted to a hospital in Rourkela for treatment and later shifted to Bhubaneswar. Shreyas died while undergoing treatment at the hospital on January 6.
Family members alleged that Shreyas had revealed that he was brutally beaten up by three to four students of the same college inside the hostel.
Though he had brought the matter to the notice of the authorities, no action was taken in this regard.
Following the incident, locals had observed bandh at Shreyas’ native place in Garposh area of Sambalpur demanding stern action against the students involved in the incident.
https://youtu.be/urTV1xCdmG8
The team led by IIC of PM Palem police station in Vizag also visited the hospital where Shreyas was undergoing treatment. The investigating officials questioned the hospital staff regarding the treatment.
The team will meet family members of the victim tomorrow at his native place Gadaposh in Sambalpur district.
Shreyas, who was studying in Sri Chaitanya College in Visakhapatnam, was allegedly beaten up by senior students in hostel on January 6. After sustaining critical injuries he was admitted to a hospital in Bhubaneswar and later shifted to Rourkela. He died while undergoing treatment.
The incident triggered outrage in Sambalpur and fellow villagers blocked the national highway and staged demonstration demanding stringent action against the accused.
A police team from Sambalpur also visited Vizag to extract information. The team had met the police Commissioner and college officials yesterday.
The team led by inspector in-charge of PM Palem police station will also subsequently visit the hospitals in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela where the student underwent treatment.
The move comes after Vizag police Commissioner entrusted PM Palem police with the task of investigation.
A team of Sambalpur police had also visited Sri Chaitanya Junior College, located at Marikavalasa, and began a probe in association with the Visakhapatnam police.
Earlier on Tuesday, the college authorities had denied ragging to be the reason behind the death of Shreyas.
"As first year students were residing in the hostel, in which Kesharwani was staying, there was no chance of ragging," said Gopi Krishan, chief administrator of the college.
Kesharwani was allegedly ragged by his friends at the college hostel a few days ago. The family members alleged that he was beaten up by three to four students after which he sustained critical injuries. Since the college authorities did not take any step even after his family members brought the matter to their notice, the latter brought Shreyas back to home.
He was admitted to a hospital in Rourkela for treatment and later shifted to Bhubaneswar. Shreyas died while undergoing treatment at the hospital last Saturday.
The family members of the deceased had lodged a complaint at the Garposh police outpost four days back.
The family members of the deceased lodged a complaint at the Gadaposa police outpost here two days ago. Meanwhile, the PM Palem police has begun probe into the incident.
The student, Shreyas Kesharwani, was allegedly ragged by his friends at the college hostel a few days ago. The family members alleged that he was beaten up by three to four students after which he sustained critical injuries. Since the college authorities did not take any step even after his family members brought the matter to their notice, the latter brought Shreyas back to home.
He was admitted to a hospital in Rourkela for treatment and later shifted to Bhubaneswar. Shreyas died while undergoing treatment at the hospital last Saturday.
The student Shreyas Kesharwani (Omm) was beaten up by three to four students of Sri Chaitanya College at Visakhapatnam, the family members alleged. The incident occurred on December 26.
Shreyas was beaten inside Prashanti boys’ hostel and badly injured. Though he brought the ragging incidents to the notice of the college authorities, they reportedly did not take any steps in this regard. Unable to get any support from the college administration, he informed his family members who brought him back to Rourkela for treatment.
Family members claimed that Shreyas has named three to four students who had physically tortured him and they have recorded his statements in a mobile video.
Moreover, the students had also threatened to kill Shreyas if he revealed the matter to anybody. It was for this reason, Shreyas had informed the family late about the physical torture, claimed father Shailesh Kesharwani.
Protesting the incident in the educational institute, Shreyas’ villagers staged a demonstration at Garposh and demanded stern action against those involved.
The locals are also demanding action against the concerned authorities of the college and a compensation of Rs 1 crore to family of the student. The agitators had also staged a rail roko in the region to press for their demands.
BJD MP Baijayant Panda also condemned the ragging incident on twitter and urged Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar to take stringent action against erring educational institutions.
"This is unconscionable. Despite many similarly shocking incidents of #ragging deaths, this scourge continues shamelessly. @PrakashJavdekar kindly take stern steps. If you derecognise one or two such colleges, the administrators of all others would get the message,” wrote Panda on Twitter.
Meanwhile, a complaint has been registered at Garposh police outpost based on the allegations of Shreyas' father.
The agitators have called off the demonstration and rail roko after receiving the assurance that immediate and stringent action will be taken on the case, informed Kuchinda SDPO Amitabh Panda.
The body of Shreyas has been sent for cremation, said the SDPO, adding that the case will be transferred to the concerned police station in Visakhapatnam, under whose jurisdiction the incident occurred.
https://youtu.be/CbhyaQKSdFY
As per reports, the third year medical students barged into the second year students' hostel last night and allegedly tortured them physically. They even cut hair of the students and made them to stand for long hours in open.
The protesting students alleged that as the torture of the third year students turned a daily affair, they were left with no choice but to sit on dharna.
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"We were earlier assured by the college administration that no seniors would involve in ragging but after being shifted to the hostel meant for second year students, we were mentally and physically harassed. Eight to nine students were being forced to stay in a single room and we were even not allowed to the mess for food," alleged one second year student.
"The third year students always beat us up. We were even beaten up by the seniors late last night following which we approached the principal but he told us to handle the matter on our own and he would look into it later. But he is yet to intervene," said another student.
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"The students had earlier on September 1 registered complaint with Anti-ragging Cell of the college. I will sort out the matter after holding talks with the students, says Principal of MKCG Medical College and Hospital," Arun Kumar Dandapat.
Meanwhile, the local BJD MLA Ramesh Chandra Chau Patnaik said that the senior and junior students should maintain brotherhood and any ragging related act is not acceptable.
"The principal must ensure 'no ragging' in the campus by banning ragging activities totally in the college," the legislator added.
https://youtu.be/EFhO1dEVg8k
One of the arrested, Soven Sibhoi, has been identified as the son of ex-MLA of Titlagarh. Later, police arrested Soven's friend Banasankar Das who was also involved in the incident.
The duo had allegedly ragged and injured a first year student after which a complaint was lodged against them.
"A case was registered following the incident. We have arrested two students and they are being interrogated. Strict action will be taken against those responsible," said Satyabrata Bhoi, Bhubaneswar DCP.
Sobhen and his classmate Baba Shankar Das, both third year students of the institute, were arrested after the duo was found involved in harassing first year students of the college since past few days.
Protesting the humiliation, the juniors had gheraoed the District Collector’s office on Monday demanding stringent action against the senior students.
They had alleged that the seniors have been severely beating, torturing and threatening them in various ways. They further accused the college authorities of ignoring their complaints lodged earlier.
Protesting the humiliation, the students on Monday, gheraoed the District Collector’s office demanding strict action against the third year students.
The students further demanded action against the college authorities and accused them of ignoring their complaints lodged earlier.
Later, a memorandum was submitted to the Collector in the matter.
According to the complaint, the first year students have alleged that the seniors have been severely beating, torturing and threatening them in various ways.
However, the college authorities and the District Collector could not be contacted over the issue.
Plus Two students of the school had allegedly thrashed a ninth class student due to which the latter was severely injured and his eardrum was ruptured. He has also received grave injuries on his waist, said his family members.
The incident occurred on last Friday after which the school authorities admitted the injured student at Phulbani hospital. Getting the information, his family members shifted him to MKCG medical college and hospital in Berhampur where he is undergoing treatment.
While no formal complaint of the incident has been filed and the school authorities are also silent on it, Kandhamal Collector has instructed the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) to probe on the incident and submit a report.
As per an FIR lodged at Dhanupali police station, the face of the girl was smeared with black ink after the hair was cut. The incident occurred in the hostel the girls were staying in.
Meanwhile, police has detained the owner of the nursing school and the caretaker of the hostel for further interrogation.
As part of the anti-ragging measures, UGC issued a circular on July 26 stating that stern action will be taken against the educational institutions if they fail to prevent ragging in their premises and fail to take punitive action against the guilty.
"Any violation of these regulations will be viewed seriously. If an institution fails to take adequate steps to prevent ragging or does not act in accordance with these regulations or fails to punish perpetrators suitably, it will attract punitive action by the UGC,” reads the circular issued by UGC secretary Jaspal S Sandhu.
As per a report of HT, the anti-ragging call centre has so far received about 288 complaints against last year’s 515 and 423 in 2015.
UGC has also instructed varsities to take some other measures like surprise visits to hostels and regular checks of canteens, toilets and recreational rooms.
Meanwhile, any victim of ragging or a student in trouble can call the 24x7 national anti-ragging helpline 1800-180-5522.
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Earlier this month in Odisha, a video of a student allegedly being ragged and beaten up on Lalitgiri hostel premise of Ravenshaw University went viral. A case was even registered against 10 students in connection with the case.
A second year student of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) was also allegedly ragged by senior students of the institute.
Many colleges including Emarti Devi Women's College, Sailabala Women's College and Indira Gandhi Women's College witnessed picketing by the State BJP members.
“Institutions campuses are a part of the society and ragging is a social evil. We are happy and proud that we all have stood united for a cause that is anti-ragging. Children studying should be provided a peaceful environment for education,” said State BJP Member, Biswajit Mohanty.
Demands for making institutions a ragging free zone and stern actions against the culprits, were raised by party workers.
Meanwhile, party members staged road blocked by burning fire at Chandi Chhak of the town as a mark of protest.
The incident happened after a Class VIII student was assaulted by a group of Class IX. While 21 out of the total missing students have returned to the residential school today, other three are still untraceable.
Meanwhile, the school administration could not be reached for comments on the incident.
Asked, district welfare officials said they contacted the parents of the missing students and found that they have not gone to their home either.
Sources said the Class IX students used to bully their juniors in spite of the knowledge of the school administration. The harassment took an ugly turn on Sunday night when a group of seniors beat up a junior. Apprehending further harassment 24 students jumped over the school boundary and fled.
The victim, an ex-student of junior college had come to the varsity to check geography department’s ‘merit list’ when a group of seniors forcibly dragged him to a hostel and tortured him which clearly shows in the video footage
In the 50 second video, nearly seven to eight students had made the victim kneel down and hit him all over his body.
While talking exclusively to OTV, the victim also narrated his ordeal and stated that the students of the varsity beat him up over suspected ‘past rivalry’.
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“The same group of students had also ragged and assaulted me when I was studying +2 in the junior college in 2015. Basing on my complaint action was taken against them,” said the victim.
The victim further stated to have lodged a complaint in connection with the incident with local Malgodown police station after informing it to his parents.
Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University Prakash Sarangi on the other hand refuted it to be a case of ‘ragging’.
“I am yet to see the video clip. We think it could be case of violence between student groups’. If we get complaint we will definitely take appropriate action in connection with the incident after inquiry,” said Sarangi.
Cuttack DCP Akhileswar Singh on the other hand informed that already Malgodown police station has been asked to register a case basing on the complaint filed by the victim.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Trinath Mishra stated that the incident which occurred at around 12:30 noon was not a case of ragging rather the youth was assaulted over past rivalry. However, the prime accused has been identified while a case against 10 students has been registered u/s 341, 323,506,34 of IPC, he added.
Cuttack: The Mangalabag police conducting its probe into the harassment complaint filed by a 4th year MBBS student of SCB Medical College and Hospital, will record statements of the four accused against whom cases have been registered, informed Cuttack DCP Sanjeev Arora.
“A case has been registered at the Mangalabag Police Station and statements of the victim and her friends recorded. The students who are involved will be served notices and further investigation will be carried on,” said Cuttack DCP Sanjeev Arora.
Meanwhile, the principal of the college convened a general body meeting in connection with the harassment allegations today. Professors of various departments of the college, administrative officials, students and the girl student who lodged the complaint were present in the meeting.
According to sources, discussions were held to settle the matter amicably through mutual understanding and the 4 accused students & victim gave written assurance to general body meeting to ensure such incidents are not repeated.
As a part of the investigation, the Commissionerate police on Friday had registered case against four students of SCB Medical College and Hospital here in connection with the harassment case of a girl student.
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Police had also recorded the statement of the victim under Sec 161 at an unknown location.
On the other hand, the administrative officer of the college, Pratap Mishra, yesterday informed that a decision to settle the matter amicably was taken at the internal disciplinary committee meeting of the institution. According to the official, both parties along with the parents of the girl student who lodged a police complaint were present at the meeting and presented their case.