Kurnool Medical College 1st-Year MBBS students allege ragging by seniors over festival donation

Tirupati: Ragging allegations surfaced at Kurnool Medical College (KMC) wherein some first-year MBBS students alleged that a group of seniors, who were collecting money for Vinayaka Chavithi (Ganesh Chaturthi), harassed them after they refused to contribute.

In a complaint submitted to KMC principal Dr. C. Narasamma, the junior students claimed that the seniors behaved aggressively and harassed them in their hostel rooms during the collection drive. The juniors stated they reported the issue to higher authorities after being unable to withstand the pressure from seniors.

Following the complaint, the principal summoned the men’s hostel warden and issued a circular warning that strict action would be taken against anyone taking donations for the Vinayaka festival.

Also read- Alleged Ragging, assault at Bhopal's Medical College- MBBS students caught on video barging into juniors' hostel carrying cricket bats

The incident soon drew the attention of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which sought a detailed report from the college administration. Adding to the pressure, State Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav intervened by contacting the college principal for an explanation. He instructed her to submit a detailed report and ensure strict action against any student involved in ragging within the college or hostel premises, reports TOI.

However, Dr Narasamma clarified that no ragging had occurred.

In an official press release on Saturday, Dr. Narasamma stated that the college’s Anti-Ragging Committee conducted a thorough inquiry, including one-on-one interviews and written statements from students. The committee found no evidence of ragging.

“There is no truth to the allegations of ragging. The college’s Anti-Ragging Committee has conducted a detailed inquiry, including one-on-one discussions with students, and obtained written statements. Nowhere in the investigation did students confirm the occurrence of ragging, she told TNIE.

She clarified that the money collection was part of annual festival activities traditionally organised by students in the hostels, and was not intended as a form of ragging. Further, she asserted that if any student was harassed or troubled under the guise of Ganesh celebrations, appropriate action would be taken.

Also read- Ragging at AIIMS Mangalagiri: 13 MBBS students suspended, Dean steps down after son's name surfaces