Ragging allegations surface at residential school in Odisha's Bolangir

Allegations of ragging are no longer confined to universities and colleges, as recent reports in Odisha's Bolangir district have highlighted disturbing incidents at the school level. The latest claims involve Eklavya Model Residential School situated in the Dumberbahal area, under the Puintala police jurisdiction. 

As per the allegations, a group of 15 students from Plus 2 targeted nine students of classes seven and eight, subjecting them to both physical and mental harassment in a hostel on January 31. 

The incident came to the fore when some of the victims confided their experiences to their parents, who then raised the alarm. 

Subsequently, the parents reached out to Satyabhama Bhue, the president of the district tribal association, before filing an official complaint at the Puintala police station.

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While the investigations into the allegations continue, neither the police nor the educational institution has released any formal statements regarding the incident. The case underscores a growing concern over the safety and well-being of students across educational institutions.

Legal Framework and Punishments

Several Indian states have enacted specific legislation to combat ragging. The Supreme Court of India issued landmark judgments in 2001 and 2009, leading to the implementation of comprehensive anti-ragging guidelines by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2009. 

These guidelines were subsequently adopted by other statutory bodies such as the Medical Council of India and the All India Council for Technical Education. The Prohibition of Ragging and Other Forms of Violence in Educational Institutions Act, 
implemented in some regions, prescribes severe punishments for ragging offenses. 

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These can include up to two years of rigorous imprisonment for general ragging offenses, and up to ten years for cases involving sexual harassment or grievous hurt. The Act also allows courts to order the expulsion of students found guilty of ragging.