Ragging at Ramagundam Medical College: 4 MBBS students suspended for shaving junior's head, moustache

Karimnagar: In response to a complaint of a ragging incident at Ramagundam Medical College in Peddapalli district, the anti-ragging committee and the college management suspended four MBBS students on Wednesday for allegedly ragging their juniors. 

The action was taken after the senior students were held responsible for allegedly ragging two junior students and shaving off one of the junior's head and moustache with a trimmer in the boys’ hostel on Sunday night. 

The matter came to light after the father of one of the junior students whose head and moustache were shaved off complained before the college management about his son getting ragged by the seniors at the hostel following which a formal complaint was filed on Tuesday. 

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Acting on the complaint, the anti-ragging committee and the college management launched an enquiry after visiting the hostel and taking note of the victim's statement regarding the incident. 

The two junior students claimed that a group of around 10 senior students invited them to their hostel room for an informal introductory meeting. During the meeting, the seniors initially shaved the head of one junior, but the victim resisted when they tried to shave his moustache. 

However, they managed to shave off half of the moustache, following which the victim later shaved it completely to avoid comment. The victim's condition was first noticed by his parents after he video-called them with his shaved head and no moustache.

College principal Himabindu Singh told Deccan Chronicle "The college management and the anti-ragging committee conducted an inquiry expeditiously upon receiving the complaint and suspended four students, all hostel residents.

“Strict instructions were given to the students that severe action will be taken against those who indulge in such incidents. We advised them not to spoil their bright futures,” she said.

“Since neither the college management nor the parents of the junior student have not lodged a complaint, a case was not registered against the senior students,” said Godavarikhani One Town Circle inspector Pramode. 

"Upon learning about the incident, we visited the college, counselled the senior students and warned them of the stringent consequences such incidents could have on their lives," he added. 

College officials said they conducted orientation programmes as an anti-ragging measure and also deployed security personnel at the hostel to avert serious mishaps.

Meanwhile, the incident has drawn condemnation from BRS MLC K Kavitha who expressed deep concern over the alleged case of ragging, calling it "inhumane" and a "violation of human rights."

Demanding strict action, Kavitha wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council. In addition, she also sought immediate government intervention, reports India Today. 

"Reports of rising ragging incidents at Ramagundam Medical College are deeply disturbing. Ragging, in any form, is unacceptable and poses serious risks to students' mental and physical health. It creates a hostile environment that hinders education and jeopardizes student futures. I urge the Telangana Legislative Council to address this issue and take appropriate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students at the college,” stated the letter.

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