In a shocking revelation from Kerala’s Government Nursing College in Kottayam, five third-year students have been arrested for subjecting first-year students to severe ragging since November 2024. The victims reported being forced to strip naked, having dumbbells hung from their private parts, and being stabbed with geometry box compasses. The seniors also compelled them to apply lotion to their wounds to intensify the pain.
The accused students, identified as Aleena Dileep (22) from Pathanapuram, Kollam; A.T. Ashita (22) from Vazhappalli, Kottayam; and Anjana Madhu (22) from Ayarkunnam, Kottayam, have confessed to the crimes during detailed interrogation.
The victims also alleged that the seniors extorted money from them every Sunday to purchase alcohol and subsequently assaulted them. The relentless abuse became unbearable, prompting three first-year students to lodge a complaint with the Kottayam Gandhinagar police. The arrested individuals are expected to be presented before the court on Wednesday afternoon.
This incident follows a recent tragedy in Kochi, where a 14-year-old boy allegedly died by suicide due to bullying at his school. In response, Kerala’s General Education Minister, V. Sivankutty, has directed the Director of General Education to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his condolences over the student’s death, emphasizing that bullying destroys lives. He urged parents to teach kindness, love, empathy, and the courage to speak up. Gandhi also advised parents to believe their children if they report being bullied and to intervene if their child is the bully.
Ragging remains a pervasive issue in educational institutions across India, often leading to severe physical and psychological trauma for victims. Despite stringent anti-ragging laws, such incidents continue to surface, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and awareness programs.
The Kerala government has taken a firm stance against ragging, implementing measures to curb such practices in educational institutions. However, the recurrence of such incidents indicates a pressing need for more effective strategies and vigilant monitoring to ensure student safety.
Educational institutions must foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, ensuring that newcomers feel safe and supported. Anti-ragging cells should be active, and students must be encouraged to report any form of harassment without fear of retaliation.
The recent incidents in Kerala serve as a grim reminder of the dangers of unchecked ragging and bullying. It is imperative for authorities, educational institutions, parents, and students to work collaboratively to eradicate this menace and create a safe learning environment for all.
