Panel to look into PU ragging

CHANDIGARH: Panjab University (PU) has constituted a four-member sub-committee to look into the ragging allegations levelled by the first-year student of chemical engineering department against a second-year student.

According to PU officials, father of the victim had sent an e-mail to the department chairperson on September 12.

Besides, a separate complaint against his senior Sushil Gupta was filed by the victim on the same day.

"This is one odd incident of ragging on PU campus, which has come to light after nearly three years. We would not take it leniently and taking cognizance of the complaint, the accused was suspended on the recommendations of the anti-corruption cell of chemical engineering department," dean university instructions B S Brar said.

"Following this, we have formed a sub-committee to look into this matter," said Brar. According to the complaint, the victim was residing in PU's hostel number-I and he had accused his senior (inmate of same hostel) of bullying him. The complaint said Gupta used to call the complainant to his room at odd hours and ask him to bring eatables from hostel canteen. PU authorities have sealed the room of Gupta.

However, there were reports that victim's father had sent another e-mail to the department chairperson on Thursday and withdrew the complaint. Chemical engineering department chairperson refused to comment.