Accused in ragging cases will be expelled from universities: Kerala University VC

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dr Mohanan Kunnummal, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala and Health Universities, said that students involved in criminal activities under the guise of ragging will be expelled from universities and permanently banned from gaining admission to any educational institution. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against ragging. Universities have instructed colleges to report ragging complaints to the police on the same day and immediately suspend the accused.

"Criminal acts disguised as ragging will not be tolerated," said Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal in an interview with Kerala Kaumudi.

"Inflicting injuries during ragging is a non-bailable offence punishable by up to ten years in prison. Cases will be filed under anti-ragging and criminal laws. Colleges must have proper mechanisms for students to report complaints. A committee, including the principal, faculty members, student representatives, and the local police station SHO, must meet monthly to review complaints," he said.

"Colleges are also required to install CCTV cameras on campus and provide psychological, social support, and counselling to victims. If authorities ignore ragging complaints, they will receive the same punishment as the perpetrator. Institutional heads who fail to take action will be charged with abetment, facing up to two years in prison and a fine of Rs 10,000. Medical colleges that cover up ragging incidents will lose their accreditation," he added.

Ragging incidents reported across Kerala

• Mannarkkad College: Students were attacked using wooden planks, slabs, and stones.
• Parassala: A student was dragged out of class, taken to an isolated area, brutally assaulted, stripped naked, and photographed.
• Maharaja’s College: A student was locked inside a room at night, beaten, and had water poured over his head.
• Kottayam Polytechnic: Students were forced to stand on one leg naked in the hostel and were made to consume alcohol.
• Nattakom Polytechnic: A student’s kidney was damaged due to severe physical assault during ragging.
• Chavakkad: A Plus One student suffered a spinal disc injury due to brutal ragging.
• Pookode Veterinary College: Siddharth, a student, reportedly died after being severely assaulted.
• Mannuthy Agricultural University: Student Mahesh was found hanging in the hostel.
• Trivandrum Swimming Training Center: A Class 7 girl collapsed under mysterious circumstances.