Madhya Pradesh: Anti ragging squad formed in hostel by MGM College authorities

Indore: A decision to form Anti-ragging squads was taken by the MGM Medical College authorities, on Tuesday, after serious incidents of ragging have been reported in the college hostel. The decision follows suspension orders against 29 senior hostellers of the 2015 batch, for ragging juniors on the hostel premises.

"The hostel-level squads will help in giving a quick response to the complaints of ragging. This committee will be reporting to the college-level committee," said a senior college official .

The authorities observed that incidents of ragging were reported mostly, in medical hostels where supervision by staff was minimal during odd hours.

The college authorities were given a jolt when junior hostellers taking a firm stand, on the harassment meted out to them, approached the college's anti-ragging squad and also posted online complaints on the Centre's anti-ragging website. Not stopping at that, the harassed juniors even went ahead and lodged their complaints with the Sanyigotaganj police station, who in turn have sought a reply from college Dean, Dr Sharad Thora.

The authorities who took the issue seriously after the police complaint called a meeting of the 9 members anti-ragging committee, which went ahead and registered the details of the complaints registered by students.

In their complaints, the students revealed to have been slapped harshly by the seniors on their faces, for no provocation on their part. Two even submitted medical certificates to prove that they had sustained ear injuries, due to the nature of physical abuse showered by seniors.

They also complained of having been made to do sit-ups at odd hours and forced to wear uniforms decided upon by their seniors, thereby, disallowing them their rights.

The Committee is believed to have recorded statements of the senior students, who reportedly apologized for their behavior. Nevertheless, 29 were suspended for their behavior for 30 days and also asked to vacate the hostel.

Police action is yet to take place. Superintendent of Police (Sanyogitaganj) SK Tomar told TOI.

"We have forwarded the complaint to the college's anti-ragging committee. We can't initiate action against the students till we get a response from the committee."