Kottayam: In the wake of a disturbing ragging incident at Kottayam Government Nursing College, authorities have taken stringent action against the institution’s officials. Prof Sulekha AT, the college principal, and Assistant Professor Ajeesh P Mani, who was responsible for hostel supervision, have been suspended pending an inquiry. The suspension order was issued by Additional Chief Secretary of the Health Department, Rajan Khobragade, after it was determined that the officials had failed to prevent or intervene in the prolonged abuse. Furthermore, the hostel’s housekeeper and security personnel have been dismissed from their roles. The investigation, led by the Director of Medical Education, was conducted following Health Minister Veena George’s directive.
The incident came to light after shocking visuals emerged, showing a first-year nursing student tied to a cot and subjected to brutal torture. The victim was stripped, stabbed with a compass, and endured further abuse, including having dumbbells placed on his private parts. In response, the police arrested five third-year students—Samuel Johnson (20), Rahul Raj (22), Jeev (18), Rijil Jith (20), and Vivek (21)—under the Prohibition of Ragging Act.
Reports indicate that ragging had been rampant in the boys’ hostel for nearly three months, with multiple juniors being subjected to harassment. The accused had already been suspended earlier for ragging six other first-year students. Following their arrests, they were remanded in judicial custody.
Additionally, the students face serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Section 118(1) for intentionally causing harm using dangerous weapons, Section 308(2) for extortion-related offenses, and Section 351(1) for criminal intimidation. Authorities have assured strict action and reinforced their commitment to eradicating ragging from educational institutions.
