11 MBBS students suspended in Bijnor college ragging case

BIJNOR: Eleven second-year MBBS students of a govt medical college in UP were suspended following a “ragging” complaint filed by a first-year student, which eventually reached National Medical Commission’s (NMC) anti-ragging helpline. The suspension order by the Bijnor college -- which “found 11 students guilty” -- came after an inquiry was held on the directions of the NMC anti-ragging panel.

In his complaint, the first-year medical student claimed he was humiliated and beaten by second-year students. The incident took place around six weeks ago and the college had initially initiated an inquiry. The student later approached the NMC anti-ragging helpline.

According to an action-taken report, disciplinary procedures varied as one student was fined Rs 10,000 and suspended for six weeks while another received a similar fine amount with a four-week suspension. A third was fined Rs 5,000 and suspended for two weeks. The remaining eight were suspended for two weeks, without fine.

College principal, Dr Tuhin Vashisht, on Thursday said the institution follows a “zero tolerance policy towards ragging”. “Action has been taken after our internal inquiry process was complete. Parents of all the students were summoned. The college is now working to ensure a safe environment on campus for first-year students,” Vashisht added.

“The victim student, who is from another state, is still recovering from the mental distress caused by the incident,” an official said. “Counselling sessions were held to maintain a safe campus,” he added.

Meanwhile, some students, requesting anonymity, alleged that “a few of those punished were merely present during the incident and were not directly involved”.