Purulia, February 8: The administrative team of Deben Mahata Government Medical College and Hospital in Purulia district, West Bengal, has suspended two students for two years due to their involvement in a ragging incident with a first-year student. Additionally, these students will be permanently barred from residing in the college hostel.
The parents of the victim expressed satisfaction with the college’s actions.
The incident occurred on February 1, when first-year medical student Mehboob Islam was allegedly ragged in his hostel room by second-year student Rishabh Singh and fourth-year student Ayan Bagchi. Mehboob reported that, at the behest of these senior students, several others physically assaulted him, necessitating a trip to the hospital for treatment.
Upon learning of the incident, Mehboob’s family traveled from Domkal in Murshidabad district to file a written complaint with the college administration on Friday. They warned that they would take legal action if strict measures were not taken against the accused.
Following the complaint, the college administration initiated an investigation. Upon finding evidence of ragging, disciplinary action was taken against both students.
On Saturday, college principal Sabyasachi Das met with the victim’s family. After the meeting, the decision to punish the two students was announced.
Sabyasachi Das stated, “Due to health reasons, I was in Kolkata. The responsibility of the principal was temporarily assigned to the hospital superintendent. Upon learning of the incident, I returned to the college immediately and discussed the matter with the victim’s family. We have taken necessary actions against both students. To prevent such incidents in the future, the college is establishing a helpline and increasing CCTV surveillance.”
The victim’s mother, Molina Khatun, remarked, “Initially, our complaint was not taken seriously. However, under pressure, the college administration accepted our demands. We are satisfied with the disciplinary action taken against the accused.”