Ragging: Ire over inaction

Statesman News Service


BALASORE, 25 AUG: Tension prevails at UN College, Soro, with students boycotting classes protesting the alleged inaction of the administration and college authorities regarding ragging of a Plus Two student by some seniors.

The victim, Mr Subrat Bhola, a student of Plus Two in the science stream was allegedly ragged by some Plus Three students on Friday. Though the matter was brought to the notice of the college authorities, no substantial action was taken against the erring students. Meanwhile, Bhola was allegedly further harassed supposedly for lodging a complaint with the principal. The matter triggered resentment among the students even as Bhola has discontinued the college.

“He is no longer interested in UN College as he is afraid that he may be harmed in future. We have sought his college leaving certificate and are planning his admission in another college in the district. In fact, he has started attending classes in the new college,” informed Subrat’s maternal uncle, Mr Aswani Raul.

Subrat’s father is away in Chhattisgarh as he works there. Subrat’s friends alleged that he was made to kneel down and eat his spit in the college campus Friday last. He was “punished” for failing to attend a meeting convened by the senior students to discuss their future course of action in the wake of ongoing student unrest across the state.

The matter was brought to the notice of the principal, who assured that the matter would be sorted out by the college disciplinary committee. Meanwhile, the accused students “convinced” the principal that Subrat was meted out the “corrective treatment” for misbehaving with girl students. Subrat was again assaulted by a group of students supposedly acting vindictively for his complaint.

A total of three cases have been registered, police said. “We had apprised the state home secretary of the matter. We will meet the superintendent of police seeking a thorough probe and punishment to the erring students,” said Subrat’s uncle Mr Raul.