Ragging Allegations at Mandi Medical College: Action Taken Against Seniors and Complainant Junior
Incident at Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Nerchowk
The management of Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital, Nerchowk, in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, has taken strict disciplinary action in a case involving allegations of ragging and physical assault. The college administration expelled three MBBS students from the hostel and suspended them from academic activities following an internal inquiry.
Strict Punishment for Two Third-Year MBBS Students
Two third-year MBBS students, Harsh, a resident of Rajasthan, and Prashant Kumar, a resident of Delhi, were found guilty of assaulting their junior. Both students have been expelled from the hostel for one year, barred from attending classes for three months, and fined ₹20,000 each.
Action Also Taken Against the Complainant Junior Student
Interestingly, disciplinary action was also taken against Shubham, a second-year MBBS student who had initially accused his seniors of ragging and assault. He was expelled from the hostel for six months and fined ₹10,000 for what the college described as his “dubious role in the case”.
Decision Based on Fact-Finding Committee Report
The action against all three students was taken based on the recommendations of a fact-finding committee. The decision was finalized during a meeting of the college’s anti-ragging committee held on Monday.
Allegations and Registration of Police Case
The controversy began when Shubham alleged that his two seniors entered his hostel room at around 6 pm on December 18 and assaulted him. Following this complaint, the college administration promptly constituted an inquiry committee and also ensured that a police case was registered against the two accused students at Balh police station.
Inquiry Confirms Physical Assault
After conducting a detailed inquiry, the fact-finding committee submitted its report to the college principal, Dr D K Verma. The inquiry report confirmed that both senior students had indeed entered the junior student’s room and physically assaulted him.
College Principal Explains the Decision
Speaking to the media, college principal Dr D K Verma stated that the institution dealt strictly with the case. He clarified that action was taken against the junior student as well because the investigation revealed his involvement in the incident. During the inquiry, the junior student reportedly admitted to substance abuse and malafide intentions. The principal also confirmed that a police case was registered to ensure legal action in the matter.
Alleged Provocation by the Junior Student
According to sources, the investigation revealed that the junior student had allegedly provoked the seniors over some issue. It is claimed that he later levelled allegations of ragging to avoid the consequences of the confrontation.
Delay in Anti-Ragging Committee Meeting
The college administration had initially called a meeting of the anti-ragging committee on December 30, but the meeting could not take place due to lack of quorum. The matter was subsequently discussed and decided in the meeting held this week.
Accused Seniors Admit to Assault
During the anti-ragging committee meeting held on Monday, the two accused senior students reportedly admitted that they had entered the junior trainee doctor’s room and assaulted him.