A Class 10 student from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills, was injured after he was subjected to a horrifying incident of ragging by Class 11 students.
Reports said the ragging occurred on September 1 when a group of Class 11 students called the victim into a room.
The boy was physically assaulted before he was let go.
Later, he reported the incident to JNV authorities and revealed the names of the students who ragged him. The school authorities took him to Williamnagar Civil Hospital for medical treatment.
Upon learning of the incident, the parents filed a complaint with police. They also shifted their son to Tura Civil Hospital.
According to police, the assailants who are all juveniles will be charged and prosecuted under appropriate sections of the law under the juvenile justice system.
It was also learnt that JNV authorities have launched an investigation and found seven students guilty of physically assaulting the student while ten others watched.
Meanwhile, social activist from Tura, Cherian Momin has written to the East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner in connection with the ragging incident.
“The act of ragging is not only a violation of the moral and ethical values that our educational institutions should uphold, but it is also a criminal offense under the Prevention of Ragging Act, 1997, and its subsequent amendments. The act clearly defines ragging as “any disorderly conduct whether by words spoken or written or by an act which has the effect of teasing, treating or handling with rudeness a fresher or any other student.” Given the gravity of this incident, we urge you to treat it with the utmost seriousness and take immediate and appropriate actions to ensure justice is served,” Momin said.
Momin also demanded a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident to ascertain the facts and identify the individuals involved in ragging and necessary medical and psychological support to the victim to cope with the trauma inflicted upon him.
Further, Momin demanded suspension and strict disciplinary action against the Class 11 students responsible for the ragging incident in accordance with the provisions of the Prevention of Ragging Act, 1997.
“Investigate the role of the school authorities, warden, and principal in ensuring the safety and well-being of the students and take appropriate action if any negligence is found on their part. Implement strict anti-ragging measures within the school premises including awareness campaigns, workshops and a 24/7 helpline for students to report any incident. Foster a culture of respect, empathy, and inclusivity among the students to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” Momin proposed.
“By taking swift and decisive action against the perpetrators and those responsible for overseeing the safety of the students, we can send a strong message that ragging has no place within our educational institutions. It is our collective responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of all students and provide them with a safe and nurturing environment to learn and grow,” he added.
