The tragic death of J.S. Siddharth, a student of Pookode Veterinary College, due to brutal ragging has deeply impacted Kerala. The university's decision to expel 19 students involved in this incident and ban them from admissions to other colleges for three years is a commendable move.

Such strong action has been rare, and the lack of it in the past has often allowed similar atrocities to resurface. Typically, when ragging incidents are reported, investigations create temporary uproar, but once the attention fades, loopholes are exploited, and the perpetrators return to campuses emboldened. If the accused are part of major student groups, some university faculty even step in to protect them. Over time, victims and their families are left isolated.

The decisive action in Siddharth's case came after his parents appealed to the High Court Division Bench, demonstrating their unwavering determination. Initially, the SFI and college authorities collaborated to shield the accused. Weak prosecution arguments resulted in the single bench granting them bail and even ordering that they be allowed to continue their studies. The government did not challenge this ruling. However, Siddharth's parents took the matter to the division bench, which stayed the earlier verdict. While the final order is still pending, the High Court has decided to set up a new bench to address ragging cases.

Ragging on campuses often mirrors gangster-like behavior. Senior students form groups to extort money, procure alcohol, and inflict brutal violence on others. In Siddharth's case, the 19 expelled students were found guilty by the Anti-Ragging Squad's report, submitted as per the High Court's direction. To end these heinous acts, society must recognize that engaging in ragging can irreparably ruin lives. Moreover, the community has a responsibility to ensure that Kerala's campuses do not become hubs for violence and drug abuse.

Siddharth's tragic death and his parents' relentless fight for justice have prompted the authorities to take a tougher stance. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the urgent need to eradicate ragging and safeguard the environment in educational institutions.