Student suicides: Central government seeks detailed report from medical institutions

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government asked all medical colleges and medical institutions to immediately submit information and records on student suicides and unnatural deaths due to ragging and mental harassment. National Medical Commission Secretary Dr Raghav Langer has directed all medical colleges and medical institutions to immediately submit information and records on student suicides and unnatural deaths. If such incidents occur in the future, a report should be submitted immediately.

A report in the prescribed format, certified by the head of the institution, should be sent to the commission every month. This will be examined, and further action will be taken. The circumstances of the suicide or unnatural death of students, where it happened, whether it was reported to the police or an FIR was registered, the status of the investigation, the steps taken, and the incidents taking place outside the college and hostel should be informed. The report should also include steps taken to prevent ragging and violence. All colleges should submit an annual report on suicides and unnatural deaths to central committees including the UGC.

The police, who are supposed to file a non-bailable case as soon as they receive a ragging complaint, often impose trivial charges to help the accused.

The state will have an anti-ragging law in the name of Siddharth, who died at Pookode Veterinary College following brutal ragging.