Hanamkonda: Seven Kakatiya Medical College (KMC) students have been booked by Matwada police on charges related to ragging. The college administration has responded by permanently expelling the seven seniors from the hostel and suspending them from all academic activities for a period of six months.
The alleged incident occurred on the terrace of the Gouthama Men’s Hostel. The college administration's swift disciplinary action, including permanent hostel expulsion and a six-month academic suspension for the seven accused students, highlights the institutional response to the allegations. Principal Sandhya referred the matter to the Station House Officer at Matwada Police Station for a criminal investigation.
The students face legal repercussions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Specifically, they are charged with Sections 189 (unlawful assembly), 126(2) (wrongful restraint), and 127(2) (wrongful confinement), read with Section 190 BNS. These charges stem from an alleged confrontation involving third-year MBBS students and their juniors.
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Disciplinary Actions and Allegations
The disciplinary measures taken by KMC authorities followed complaints regarding the alleged ragging. Reports indicate that some second-year MBBS students made derogatory comments against third-year students in a WhatsApp group. In response, the third-year students allegedly summoned approximately 20 second-year students to the hostel terrace, demanding an apology and a pledge not to repeat such behavior.
The college's Anti-Ragging Committee conducted an inquiry after a formal complaint was lodged, leading to the disciplinary actions. The matter was brought to the attention of authorities through the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) anti-ragging helpline.
Background and Previous Incidents
This incident at KMC Warangal is not an isolated event in Telangana. The alleged physical and verbal abuse of juniors inside the boys' hostel at KMC has raised concerns about campus safety and the effectiveness of anti-ragging measures. Similar incidents have occurred in the state recently. On September 11, ten MBBS students from Gandhi Medical College in Hyderabad were suspended for one year for alleged ragging of their juniors. Another incident involved a BSc Radiology (paramedical) first-year student who was allegedly assaulted by seniors following a dispute that escalated after duty hours.
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The KMC anti-ragging committee, chaired by Principal Dr. Sandhya Sunkaraneni, includes various faculty members, administrative officers, and external representatives. The committee has previously recommended academic suspensions and hostel accommodation cancellations for students found guilty of ragging.
The legal proceedings and disciplinary actions aim to address the severe mental agony and physical distress inflicted upon the students and to uphold institutional safety norms.
