KMCRI ragging: 5 MBBS students suspended for forcing juniors to attend classes as proxies
Ragging
Hubbali: In a recent case of ragging at Karnataka Medical College and Research Institute (KMCRI), several first-year medical students were reportedly forced to appear as proxies for their seniors by attending classes and responding to the roll call on their behalf. This alleged form of ragging was uncovered by the institute's assistant professor which resulted in the suspension of 5 final-year students for one month.
The action was taken based on the Anti-Ragging Committee's report, which found the seniors guilty of ragging juniors by forcing them to attend higher classes as proxies. Considering the wrongdoing, the committee recommended that the college take disciplinary action against the seniors.
TOI has reported that this is not the first instance of proxy attendance at KMCRI. The daily's source revealed that juniors had previously attended classes on behalf of their seniors to help them maintain their attendance records after being intimidated.
The recent incident took place recently during a surgery theory class at the anatomy lecture hall. An assistant professor conducting the lecture grew suspicious of the behaviour of some students and questioned them. It was then revealed that they were not final-year students but first-year juniors who were ragged and forced to attend the class as proxies for their seniors.
Following this, the professor immediately reported it to the Head of the Department and Principal, Dr. Gurushantappa Yalagachin. KMCRI Director Dr. S.F. Kammar then directed the college's Anti-Ragging Committee, chaired by the principal, to investigate the matter. On Saturday afternoon, the committee carried out a thorough inquiry and submitted its report to the director, resulting in the suspension of five students for one month.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, KMCRI Director Dr S.F. Kammar said, "We received reports that junior students were subjected to ragging in the classroom. Based on the findings of the Anti-Ragging Committee, five MBBS students from different districts, including Tumakuru and Davangere, residing in the college hostel, have been suspended for one month. Their parents have also been informed."
"A special team has already been formed at KMCRI to prevent such incidents, and students can directly file complaints. Additionally, pink boxes have been placed in various locations for staff and students to report cases related to sexual harassment. Despite these preventive measures, this incident occurred, which is regrettable," he added.
Further, he said "This is the first reported case of ragging at KMCRI. The Anti-Ragging Committee has been directed to conduct periodic meetings, and students and parents have been encouraged to file complaints if any such incidents occur in the future. Complaints from parents will also be taken seriously."
