[ToI] Six 'suspended' for ragging at Ramjas

Link to report

18 Jul, 2007

NEW DELHI: Six students at Ramjas College have been suspended till Thursday afternoon after they were caught ragging four freshers inside a classroom by the anti-ragging squad.

"A group of second year students pursuing B Sc (Life Sciences) was caught ragging four freshers inside the closed doors of a classroom by anti-ragging squad," said Principal Rajendra Prasad.

He added: "When they barged in the classroom, they found freshers being harassed by seniors. We have suspended all six of them till our meeting with their parents on Thursday noon. After discussing the matter with them, we will take necessary action."

College sources said that freshers were forced to introduce themselves, to which they were not comfortable. This same group of seniors was said to have received warning from the college officials half an hour before the incident took place, as they were caught playing pranks on fuchchas earlier. Wednesday was the first day when the classes for the second and third year students resumed in the new academic session.

Meanwhile, a group of seniors in English department enjoyed a playful interaction with freshers and without inviting the ire of authorities. ‘‘We had a fun time with them but didn’t force them to be part of it,’’ said Samridhhi, a third year student.

In Hindu College, ex-student Abhishek Chaudhry was caught ragging one of the freshers in the canteen on Tuesday has been banned from entering the premises. Chaudhry, apparently, asked the fresher to dance which the latter refused to do. The local police station has been intimated about the action taken against Chaudhry. But both the seniors and freshers of the college term the action as harsh.

"Banning the entry of a student for asking a fresher sing or dance is not healthy. If ragging was offensive, this action would have been justified," said Aman, a second year student of the college.

Added a third year B Sc (Physical Sciences) student Sagar Srivastava: "Introduction should be allowed with the freshers as they also need to know the seniors."

A group of freshers also echoed a similar view. "Asking to sing or dance is a process of personal introduction, which is healthy. We need the academic guidance of the seniors too. So Chaudhry should not have been banned entry into the college," said Rohitesh Kumar and Anshuman Ashit, first year students pursuing Physics (Honours).

Other colleges like Kirori Mal, Hans Raj, SGTB Khalsa, Sri Venkateswara, among others haven’t found anyone guilty of ragging freshers.