First-year MBBS student alleges ragging

A first-year MBBS student at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Sangareddy has alleged that he was subjected to ragging by a group of fourth-year students in the college hostel on Wednesday.

The incident escalated later in the day when the seniors reportedly went to the student’s residence and attempted to intimidate his family after the victim’s brother confronted them.

Meanwhile, the college administration initiated action.

Speaking to The Hindu, GMC principal Dr Prakash Rao said a committee has been constituted to inquire into the complaint and appropriate steps would be taken against those found guilty.

Students of Government Medical College at a legal awareness camp on ragging, in Sangareddy, on Thursday.
| Photo Credit:
MOHD ARIF

Meanwhile after the incident, the campus hosted a special legal awareness programme on the Ragging Prohibition Act, the NDPS Act and the POCSO Act. The event was aimed at sensitising students to the legal consequences of ragging, drug abuse and offences against minors.

District Legal Services Authority Secretary-cum-Senior Civil Judge B. Soujanya stressed that ragging is prohibited and cannot be dismissed as harmless fun. She explained that acts involving physical or mental harassment, intimidation or humiliation of juniors attract strict punishment under the Ragging Prohibition Act. She warned that those indulging in ragging risk criminal cases, imprisonment, suspension or expulsion from college and cancellation of certificates or scholarships. She added that remaining silent when witnessing such acts is also an offence and urged seniors to act as role models in fostering a ragging-free campus.