For many first-year students, college marks an exciting new beginning, but for some, it turns into a nightmare. A horrifying case at a government nursing college in Kerala exposed the brutal abuse inflicted on junior students by their seniors. Reports revealed that five third-year students attacked six first-year students using geometry instruments, leaving them with severe injuries in a shocking act of ragging.
Arrest and Identification of the Accused
Authorities identified the five accused as Samuel Johnson (20) from Valakom, Kottayam; Rahul Raj (22) from Malappuram; Jeeva (18) from Wayanad; Rijil Jith (20) from Malappuram; and Vivek NV (21) from Kottayam. Police swiftly arrested them, and the court remanded them to judicial custody, sending them to the district jail.
Brutal Abuse and Torture
Investigators uncovered the extreme physical and psychological torment suffered by the junior students. The accused seniors allegedly stripped their victims naked and subjected them to degrading acts, including hanging dumbbells from their private parts. They used geometry dividers to inflict wounds, tied the juniors to their hostel cots, and applied lotion to their injuries. In a further disturbing act, they rubbed cream on the victims’ mouths and other body parts.
Extortion and Threats
Victims’ complaints revealed that the seniors also extorted money from them. Armed with knives, the accused threatened the juniors and forced them to hand over cash, which the seniors used to fund their Sunday drinking sessions. Some of these horrific incidents were captured on mobile phones, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Legal Action Against the Accused
The police charged the five seniors under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act. They face charges under Section 118(1) for voluntarily causing harm using dangerous weapons, Section 308(2) for extortion, Section 351(1) for criminal intimidation, and Sections 3 and 4 of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998. These charges highlight the gravity of their crimes.
Swift Response from Authorities
The Gandhi Nagar police, led by Station Officer Sreejith, acted swiftly after receiving complaints from the victims. The college administration, unaware of the incidents until recently, took immediate action once senior professors conducted a probe. Principal-in-charge Lini Joseph confirmed that the college suspended the accused students. Officials also reported the case to the Kerala University of Health and Sciences for further action.
A Long-Running Ordeal
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the abuse began in November of the previous year. The first-year students endured months of torment before they finally spoke out. The delay in reporting underscores how fear and intimidation can silence victims of ragging.
Psychological and Emotional Trauma
Beyond the physical injuries, the victims face deep emotional and psychological scars. Many may struggle with trust issues, anxiety, and depression for years to come. The seniors’ threats, manipulation, and control worsened their distress, making it even harder for them to come forward. This case has sparked widespread outrage, raising urgent concerns about the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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