Karyavattom college suspends seven students accused of ragging a junior

The anti-ragging law entails a punishment of two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10,000. 
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The Government College, Karyavattom, has suspended seven students on the charge of illegally detaining and assaulting a fellow undergraduate on the campus on February 11. 

The suspension comes after the college’s anti-ragging committee examined the matter and submitted a report to the principal, G Sandhya. 

Ms Sandhya informed The Hindu that she was not permitted to discuss the case details as it was currently under police investigation.

However, she said peace prevailed on the campus, and classes and extracurricular activities were unhindered. 

Circle Inspector Kazhakuttom, C. Bibu Kumar, stated that the police had received the committee’s findings. Previously, the police had registered a case of hurt based on a complaint filed by Bins Jose, a first-year biotechnology student. 

The police said Mr Jose alleged that a gang of at least seven third-year students had hauled him into the room on February 11 and assaulted him. He alleged that his assailants made him take off his shirt before hitting him. 

The police reported that junior and senior students had fought on campus earlier. They registered cases based on complaints lodged by both sides. 

The police have sought legal opinion on whether the alleged offences fell under the Prohibition of Ragging Act, 2011, or were fracas between students of opposing political dispositions. The anti-ragging law entails a punishment of two years of imprisonment and a fine of up to ₹10,000.

The police said they have yet to register a case based on the anti-ragging committee’s report. So far, they have not named any student as an accused based on the committee’s findings.