The horrific case of ragging at the Government College of Nursing in Kottayam, Kerala, has sent shockwaves across the state, raising serious concerns about student safety and the effectiveness of anti-ragging measures in educational institutions. The brutal nature of the abuse, inflicted by five third-year students—Samuel Johnson, NS Jeeva, KP Rahul Raj, C Rijil Jith, and Vivek NP—has sparked outrage among students, parents, and authorities. Following a formal complaint lodged by three first-year students, the police swiftly took action, leading to the arrest of the accused and the suspension of their academic activities.
The victims, who had endured prolonged physical and psychological torture, finally broke their silence after reaching a breaking point. Their detailed complaint to the Gandhinagar police station outlined the inhumane treatment they suffered at the hands of their seniors. The police described the allegations as deeply disturbing, stating that the accused made incisions on the victims' bodies using sharp objects and poured lotion onto the wounds, deliberately intensifying their agony. When the victims screamed in pain, the seniors allegedly smeared cream over their mouths and other parts of their bodies as a form of humiliation. The complaint also exposed even more grotesque acts of torture—students were reportedly forced to strip naked, and heavy dumbbells were hung from their private parts, causing unbearable pain and distress. Additionally, the accused used stationery items such as compasses to injure their juniors further, inflicting wounds that left physical and emotional scars.
Following the revelation of these barbaric acts, the college administration wasted no time in suspending the accused students and initiating an internal probe. Principal-in-charge Dr. Lini Joseph expressed deep concern over the incident, revealing that the victims had not initially reported the ragging to the college authorities. Instead, it was their distressed parents who informed the class teacher about the ongoing abuse, prompting an urgent response.
Dr. Joseph confirmed that a special investigative committee would be appointed on February 12 to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the case. The committee will examine the extent of the ragging, identify any additional perpetrators, and recommend further disciplinary actions against those involved. The college has also formally escalated the matter to the Gandhinagar police station and the Kottayam Superintendent of Police for legal proceedings.
As part of the investigation, police officers met with both the victims and the accused to gather more evidence and testimony. Two of the victims were asked to visit the police station, where they were accompanied by the assistant warden and a male faculty member to ensure their safety and well-being. Law enforcement authorities have assured that stringent legal action will be taken against the perpetrators to set a precedent against such heinous practices in educational institutions.
This shocking incident has reignited a nationwide debate on the effectiveness of anti-ragging policies in India. Despite the existence of strict laws, including the Anti-Ragging Act and UGC guidelines mandating preventive measures, cases like these continue to surface, exposing the failure of institutions to create a safe and supportive environment for students. Experts argue that stronger enforcement of anti-ragging rules, regular sensitization programs, and anonymous complaint mechanisms must be implemented to prevent such incidents from recurring.
The Kerala Student Union (KSU) and other student organizations have condemned the incident, demanding stricter enforcement of anti-ragging laws and immediate justice for the victims. Parents and activists have also called for an overhaul of disciplinary measures in colleges, urging authorities to ensure that educational institutions are places of learning and growth, rather than sites of fear and violence.
The coming days will be crucial in determining the next steps in this case. While the accused have already faced immediate consequences in the form of suspension and arrest, the victims and their families are seeking long-term justice to prevent such horrific incidents from happening again. As the investigation unfolds, this case serves as a grim reminder of the need for relentless vigilance against ragging and the importance of fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and zero tolerance for abuse in colleges across the country.
