More complaints of ragging surface from Kottayam nursing college in Kerala

College of Nursing at the Government Medical College, Kottayam.
| Photo Credit: gcnkottayam.org

Even as the police concluded inspections related to the ragging incident at the Government College of Nursing in Kottayam, Kerala, more cases of harassment have surfaced from the institution.

Officials revealed that four additional junior students came forward with complaints of ragging following the initial report. During inspection at the boys’ hostel and on the college premises, the police recovered weapons, including a knife and compass, allegedly used by the accused against the junior students. Statements from all complainants have also been recorded.

According to the victims’ statements, the ragging incident on December 13, which was captured on a mobile phone, was triggered by their failure to contribute money for a birthday celebration.

Principal, faculty member suspended

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Medical Education has placed the college Principal, Sulekha A.T., and the faculty member in charge of the Assistant Hostel Warden, Ajeesh P. Mani, under suspension pending investigation.

The housekeeper-cum-security personnel of the boys’ hostel was also ordered to be removed immediately. These actions followed a preliminary inquiry conducted by the Director of Medical Education on the direction of Health Minister Veena George, which confirmed lapses on the part of these officials in reporting and preventing the ragging cases.

NHRC calls for report

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a report from the State Police Chief, who has been asked to submit the report within 10 days following a complaint from the Sahyadri Rights Forum.

The State Human Rights Commission has asked the Kottayam District Police Chief to provide a report within two weeks. The principal has also been instructed to submit a detailed report, and the commission is expected to review the case in its upcoming session in Kottayam.

The police have already arrested five senior students, identified as Samuel John, Jeeva, Rijil Jith, Vivek, and Rahul Raj, in connection with the case. The accused are currently in judicial custody. Officials said three of the five accused, who are under the age of 20, would be shifted to the Borstal School in Kakkanad.

Protests continue

Meanwhile, protests by various organisations in front of the nursing college is slated to continue on Saturday (February 15) as well. Besides activists of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Kerala Government Nurses Union too will be staging a protest during the day.

The Congress, meanwhile, has called for a judicial inquiry into the incident.