Ragging at Almora medical college: 2 MBBS students suspended, 4 fined Rs 25k
Ragging
Bageshwar: Altogether 6 second-year MBBS students of Soban Singh Jeena Government Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (SSJGIMSR), Almora, have been found guilty of allegedly ragging and threatening juniors.
Taking action against them, the college authorities suspended two seniors and fined Rs 25,000 to four others under the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Along with this, the authorities barred all the students from academic and non-academic activities of the college for six months.
The action was taken after the first-year MBBS students submitted a written complaint to the college principal, alleging that they were called to the hostel rooms of seniors on the night of January 28 and subjected to ragging.
According to the complaint, the juniors were summoned by the seniors to their rooms and were forced to complete practical files and perform other academic-related tasks. Those who refused to comply with their directions were allegedly threatened and intimidated.
Acting on the complaint, the college authorities called for an emergency meeting of the institute's anti-ragging committee. As part of the inquiry, sub-divisional magistrate Sanjay Kumar recorded statements from both sides.
After reviewing the written complaints, statements, and other available evidence, the committee found six second-year students guilty. Based on the findings, the college imposed penalties as per UGC and NMC anti-ragging guidelines.
The administration also issued a stern warning, stating that any repeat of such behaviour would invite expulsion from the hostel and stricter disciplinary action.
College principal Prof. C. P. Bhaisora told TOI, "Ragging would not be tolerated. The institute follows a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging. Any student found involved in such acts in future will face even more stringent action."
