Berhampur University ragging: 4 students expelled from hostel, 13 others penalised

Swinging into action, the prestigious Berhampur University on Sunday expelled four students from the hostel and imposed a penalty of Rs 1000 each on 13 other second-year students for allegedly mentally harassing and ragging a first-year student in the University campus.

“Four students of the third semester have been expelled from the hostel. Another 13 students have been imposed a penalty of Rs 1000 each. They have directed to submit written undertakings,” informed Gitanjali Das, Vice Chancellor, Berhampur University.

According to sources, at least 17 students of the second year had allegedly ragged a first-year student on September 21. Based on the victim’s complaint, UGC Anti-ragging Cell had directed the University to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.

Based on CCTV footage, a 12-member of the anti-ragging committee along with a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) investigated the case following which action was initiated against the 17 students.

The four students have been asked to vacate the hostel within a week for their direct involvement in the ragging while the 13 others have been directed to submit written undertakings as part of the disciplinary measures.

“Steps are being taken to sensitise all the students. The superintendents and assistant superintendents are going on rounds in the evening. We have also deployed security guards in the new hostel to protect the new students. Steps are being taken to make the students more comfortable on the campus,” she added.

“Moreover, we have installed CCTV cameras all around to keep a tab on the movements of students. We have warned senior students not to visit places meant for new students,” she stated.