NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the disturbing ragging incident at the Government Nursing College in Kottayam, Kerala, calling it “morally reprehensible” and a “severe violation of human rights.” The panel has sought a detailed action taken report from the Kerala Director General of Police (DGP) within ten days.
Visuals that surfaced on Thursday showed a junior student tied to a cot, his body repeatedly pierced with a compass while being taunted and mocked by senior students. According to police, the victim was subjected to horrifying acts, including having dumbbells placed on his private parts and facial cream poured into his mouth.
The NHRC, citing a complaint, noted that students from Wayanad, Malappuram, and Kottayam were involved in coercing juniors into transferring money and subjecting them to both physical and mental torture. The complaint also alleged that one student was threatened with a knife to his neck while others were bound and inflicted with sharp weapon wounds.
“These actions are not only morally reprehensible but also illegal,” the NHRC observed in its proceedings, accessed by PTI.
Five arrested, investigation expanded
Following a complaint from one victim, five senior students—Samuel Johnson (20), Rahul Raj (22), Jeev (18), Rijil Jith (20), and Vivek (21)—were arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Police suspect there may be more victims and are recording statements to determine the extent of the abuse.
The accused have been booked under the Prohibition of Ragging Act and sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including those related to causing hurt with dangerous weapons, extortion, and criminal intimidation.
Campus outrage and official responses
Student organizations across Kerala condemned the incident. The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) called it shocking, while the Kerala Students’ Union (KSU) emphasized that such brutalities should not be shielded. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has filed complaints with the Kerala Governor, the NHRC, and the Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), demanding a thorough inquiry.
College authorities claimed they had not received complaints before February 11, with Acting Principal Dr. Sulekha A.T. stating that immediate action was taken once they were informed. The accused students have been suspended, and the college has pledged full cooperation with the legal proceedings.
With the NHRC stepping in and police expanding their investigation, the case has intensified pressure on authorities to ensure justice for the victim and stricter enforcement against ragging in educational institutions.