A police probe has been launched after a first-year Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) student at a private medical college in Maharashtra alleged that she was forced to perform namaz during a ragging incident inside the college hostel. The private medical college's hostel, is in Posheri, Wada taluka of Maharashtra's Palghar district.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday within the college hostel premises, where the student was allegedly subjected to ragging by an unidentified senior student. As per the complaint, the student stated that during the course of ragging, she was coerced into performing the religious act against her will, prompting her to approach college authorities. But apparently, no action was followed. The parents the approached Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Following the complaint, the local police registered a FIR on Monday night and began an investigation and checked the CCTV camera footages to ascertain the sequence of events. Police officials confirmed that statements from the complainant and other students are being recorded as part of the inquiry.
Simultaneously, the college administration acknowledged the complaint and stated that an internal inquiry has been initiated. The matter has been referred to the institution’s anti-ragging committee, which has been tasked with examining the allegations and recommending action in line with institutional policies and national anti-ragging regulations.
College officials indicated that disciplinary measures will be taken if the allegations are substantiated, and that the institution is cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities. The administration also reiterated that ragging in any form is prohibited and that hostel premises fall under strict institutional oversight.
After the news broke out, right wing parties staged protests outside the college on Tuesday. Heavy police presence has been deployed outside the college to avoid any communal issues.
Amid growing public outrage, the college administration suspended a hostel warden and a teacher as part of its immediate response.
Ragging is a punishable offence under University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, and medical and allied health institutions are required to act promptly on complaints to ensure student safety and compliance with the law.
As of now, investigations by both the police and the college are ongoing, and no final conclusions or disciplinary outcomes have been announced.
(Rh)
