1st-year MBBS students of SCB Medical College accuse seniors of ragging

Cuttack: A few weeks after a ragging incident at MKCG Medical College in Berhampur, new allegations have surfaced from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack where two first-year MBBS students have reported ragging and harassment by final-year students in the hostel.

The juniors alleged that they were verbally abused by the seniors in their hostel. Unable to tolerate the harassment any longer, the students allegedly informed the college authorities about the incident via WhatsApp. They also informed their parents who approached the dean and principal of SCB MCH Dr Lucy Das about the issue. 

After receiving verbal communication about ragging on the campus from the students, the dean initiated an investigation into the allegations. As a result, the Anti-Ragging Committee of the medical college visited the hostel and took records of the students' statements following a series of interviews. Further, the dean said that the report revealed that the students were only asked their names and no evidence of ragging was found. 

Also read- MKCG Medical College ragging case: 5 MBBS students suspended for 6 months

Speaking to Ommcom news, Dr Lucy said “I met with first-year MBBS students to inquire about any potential ragging incidents. I asked them directly if they’ve faced any ragging issues today. We generally activate the anti-ragging committee immediately after first-year student admissions. The committee holds meetings with hostel committees to sensitize students about ragging and its ill effects. We’re committed to preventing ragging. If we receive any complaints, we’ll take immediate action and keep you informed."

Meanwhile, she told ETV Bharat, "The Anti-ragging Committee tasked with investigating such allegations, conducted a thorough inquiry in the hostels. Their efforts to unearth details of the incidents were met with silence as no students chose to speak to the committee members during their visit on Monday."

Further, she alleged that due to the lack of a formal complaint, the medical college authorities are unable to take any firm action in this regard. Although preliminary investigation indicated no physical assault, the dean has deployed security personnel on each floor of the hostel as a precautionary measure. 

One of the victim's parents requesting anonymity told TOI, “My child and another first-year student were targeted by senior students."

Medical Dialogues had recently reported that the state-run MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha's Ganjam district has suspended five fourth-year MBBS students from the hostel for six months for allegedly ragging second-year students based on the recommendation of the anti-ragging committee. 

Also read- MKCG Medical College 2nd year MBBS students allege ragging by seniors, NMC intervenes