Introduction
In a shocking turn of events, a brutal ragging incident at the Government Nursing College in Kottayam, Kerala, has sent shockwaves across the nation. The horrifying details of the abuse endured by first-year students have come to light, revealing a chilling tale of physical and mental torture. This incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.
The Chilling Video
A disturbing video has emerged, capturing the brutal ragging session in graphic detail. The footage shows a junior student tied to a cot, his hands and legs restrained, while senior students inflict unimaginable torture. The victim is seen writhing in pain as he is repeatedly stabbed with a compass, his wounds exacerbated by a lotion poured over them. The tormentors are heard laughing and enjoying the act, while the victim cries out in agony. The video also shows dumbbells being hung from the victim's private parts and cloth clips attached to his nipples, which are then tugged at by the seniors12.
The Extent of the Abuse
The ragging incidents began in November 2024 and continued for nearly three months. The first-year students were subjected to a series of violent acts, including being forced to stand naked while dumbbells were hung from their private parts. They were also stabbed with sharp objects, such as compasses from a geometry box, and beaten bloody. The seniors allegedly filmed these acts and threatened the juniors with dire consequences if they reported the abuse. The victims were also extorted for money, with the seniors demanding weekly payments to fund their drinking habits23.
The Arrest and Suspension
Five third-year nursing students have been arrested in connection with the ragging incident. The accused, identified as Samuel Johnson (20), Rahul Raj (22), Jeeva (18), Rijil Jith (20), and Vivek (21), have been suspended from the college and are currently in police custody. They have been booked under the Anti-Ragging Act and face charges of causing hurt, criminal intimidation, and extortion23.
The Aftermath
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) taking cognizance of the matter and seeking a detailed action taken report from the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) within ten days. The college authorities have pledged full cooperation with the legal proceedings, and the accused students have been suspended. The incident has also highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of anti-ragging laws in educational institutions4.
The Victims' Plight
The victims of the ragging incident have spoken out about the trauma they endured. One of the victims, unable to bear the torture any longer, informed his father, who then encouraged him to approach the police. The father of the complainant said that he was unaware of the torture his son was undergoing on campus until the day he complained to the college principal. Many students have faced similar experiences but are afraid to speak out3.
The Role of the Kerala Government Student Nurses Association (KGSNA)
The accused students were members of the Kerala Government Student Nurses Association (KGSNA), a student group not affiliated with any political party. The KGSNA has demanded strict action against those involved in the ragging incident and has assured full legal and organizational support to the victims. The organization has also expelled the five accused students from its primary membership3.
The Public Reaction
The ragging incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many calling for strict action against the perpetrators. The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions and the need for stricter enforcement of anti-ragging laws.
Conclusion
The ragging incident at the Government Nursing College in Kottayam is a stark reminder of the dark side of campus life. It is a chilling tale of physical and mental torture that has left a lasting impact on the victims. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions. It is a wake-up call for authorities to take strict action against ragging and ensure that such incidents do not recur.