Team to probe ragging at BAU

Ranchi, Nov. 22: A four-member probe team was constituted by Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) today following complaints of ragging of a first year forestry student at the girls’ hostel.

The victim Jyoti Kumari, was rushed to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences yesterday evening after she complained of restlessness and breathing difficulty following alleged ragging at the hostel

“The girl had gone home and arrived at the hostel apparently tired. In the evening, she complained of uneasiness and was sent to RIMS for medical check-up. After initial check up, she was brought back. There was no ragging,” warden Rakesh Saxena said.

“A team comprising three deputy wardens of the hostels and a teacher has been set up to enquire into the incident. The committee will submit its report by 4pm tomorrow. Appropriate action would be taken once we receive the report,” Saxena added.

However teachers and students alike, speaking on condition of anonymity said ragging was an annual feature at BAU that was never reported.

In the case of Jyoti Kumari, they conceded that an ‘introductory session’ was held at the hostel.

In course of the session, the petrified girl had apparently collapsed. However students vouched that no physical torture had ever been inflicted on the girl.

Jyoti Kumari declined to speak to the media.

The girl’s parents had also informed the local police about the incident. Kanke police officer in charge, Mithilesh Kumar, said that they had visited the campus late in the evening yesterday and added that investigations were on.