TV
The historic Ravenshaw University in Cuttack found itself at the centre of a major controversy after serious allegations emerged from its East Hostel, where junior students accused several senior students of ragging and indiscipline.
According to university sources, the incident took place late on Saturday night when ten third-year undergraduate residents of the East Hostel allegedly confronted and verbally abused a group of newly admitted first-year students.
The victims, who had only recently enrolled at Ravenshaw University, were reportedly subjected to offensive language and harassment inside the hostel premises.
Sources added that upon learning of the incident, the university's Chief Warden, hostel wardens, faculty members, and senior administrative officials rushed to the East Hostel to assess the situation.
Initial efforts to calm the accused students were reportedly met with resistance, but the matter was eventually brought under control after several rounds of persuasion.
Disciplinary Action Taken
Following an internal inquiry, the university identified the ten senior students involved in the misconduct and issued orders for them to vacate the hostel by Sunday evening.
Reports stated that the students were granted temporary accommodation for one night at the university's guest house. Parents of the accused have also been formally informed about the disciplinary measures.
In a statement, the university administration made it clear that any form of indiscipline, including ragging, would not be tolerated on campus and that strict action would be taken against any student involved in activities that disrupt the academic environment.
Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Ravenshaw Vice-Chancellor has emphasised the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards ragging. As part of enhanced preventive measures, awareness campaigns will be conducted across all hostels and departments. Additionally, the administration plans to increase the frequency of hostel inspections to monitor student conduct more closely.
Notably, this controversy comes at a time when Ravenshaw University tries to get out of another controversy wherein university authorities had barred the entry and presence of women, including students and staff, after 5:30 PM. It had subsequently withdrawn the order after a furore.
