Ragging Crisis in Medical Colleges: A Deadly Reality

Ragging has long been a dark stain on India’s educational institutions, but a recent report by the Society Against Violence in Education (SAVE) has exposed a deeply concerning trend—medical colleges account for nearly 45% of all ragging-related deaths. The ‘State of Ragging in India 2022-24’ report, released on March 24, highlights the staggering number of complaints and the urgent need for intervention.

With 38.6% of all ragging complaints coming from medical colleges, the issue is particularly severe for first-year students. The report also notes that 35.4% of serious ragging cases have occurred in these institutions, leading to widespread fear, mental trauma, and in many cases, tragic fatalities.

This article delves into the crisis, its impact on students, the role of institutions, and the measures that need to be taken to curb this dangerous practice.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

Ragging is often justified as a ‘harmless tradition’ that helps juniors bond with seniors. However, evidence suggests that it has become a severe form of psychological and physical abuse, often leading to devastating consequences.

Key Findings from the SAVE Report

1. Ragging Complaints: Out of 3,156 complaints registered with the National Anti-Ragging Helpline, nearly 39% came from medical colleges, making them the worst offenders.
2. Fatalities: 51 student deaths have been directly linked to ragging in the past three years, with medical colleges contributing to nearly half of these cases.
3. Comparison to Kota Suicides: The number of student suicides due to ragging is nearly as high as the 57 student suicides in Kota, the coaching hub of India.
4. Institutional Ranking: The Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS) in Nasik ranked third in the country for the highest number of ragging complaints.

These numbers paint a distressing picture of systematic abuse, institutional apathy, and lack of strong preventive measures.

The Psychological and Physical Toll on First-Year Students

For many first-year students, getting into a medical college is a dream come true. However, for some, it turns into a nightmare due to ragging.

Mental Health Implications

• Depression and Anxiety: Many victims develop chronic anxiety and depression, often requiring therapy.
• PTSD: Repeated verbal abuse and physical torture can lead to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can affect students for years.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Some students cannot cope with the pressure and humiliation, leading to suicides.

Physical Abuse

While some ragging incidents involve verbal humiliation, many cases include severe physical abuse:

• Beatings, forcing students to perform degrading tasks, and even sexual harassment have been reported.
• Cases of hunger strikes, forced substance use, and prolonged sleep deprivation have also surfaced.

Why Are Medical Colleges the Worst Offenders?

The disproportionate number of ragging incidents in medical colleges can be attributed to several factors:

1. Hierarchy and Power Abuse:
   • Senior students often use ragging as a means to assert dominance over juniors.
   • The ‘tradition’ is passed down each year, creating a vicious cycle.
2. Institutional Apathy:
   • Many colleges turn a blind eye to ragging, often underplaying complaints to protect their reputation.
   • Victims fear retaliation, so many incidents go unreported.
3. Hostel Culture and Isolation:
   • First-year students, often living away from home for the first time, become easy targets.
   • The lack of strict hostel monitoring allows ragging to thrive behind closed doors.
4. Lack of Awareness and Strict Punishment:
   • While anti-ragging laws exist, implementation is weak.
   • Many students don’t know their rights or the process of filing complaints.

Case Studies: Ragging Deaths in Medical Colleges

Several tragic incidents have shed light on the severity of ragging in medical colleges:

1. The Tragic Death of Dr. Payal Tadvi (2019)
   • A second-year postgraduate student at TN Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai, Dr. Payal Tadvi died by suicide due to relentless caste-based ragging.
   • Despite multiple complaints to college authorities, no action was taken until it was too late.
2. The Suicide of a MBBS Student in Kolkata (2023)
   • A first-year student at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College, Kolkata, was found dead in his hostel room.
   • Investigations revealed that he had been severely bullied by seniors.
3. Andhra Pradesh Medical College Incident (2022)
   • A 19-year-old student was admitted to the ICU after being physically tortured during ragging.
   • The seniors involved faced no significant punishment.

These cases are just the tip of the iceberg, highlighting the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and accountability.

Legal Framework and Institutional Responsibility

India has strict anti-ragging laws, but enforcement remains weak.

Key Anti-Ragging Laws in India

• UGC Regulations on Curbing Ragging (2009):
  • Colleges must have anti-ragging committees and helplines.
  • Strong disciplinary action, including expulsion, can be taken against offenders.
• Supreme Court’s Directives on Ragging:
  • Any form of ragging is punishable under IPC Sections 323, 506, 306 (abetment of suicide), and 509.
  • Colleges are required to file FIRs against perpetrators.
• National Anti-Ragging Helpline (1800-180-5522):
  • Students can anonymously report ragging complaints.

Despite these provisions, implementation remains inadequate.

Steps to Prevent Ragging in Medical Colleges

Addressing this crisis requires immediate and long-term measures:

1. Stronger College Policies:
   • Strict action against ragging must be taken, with zero tolerance.
   • Anonymous complaint mechanisms should be strengthened.
2. Enhanced Hostel Surveillance:
   • CCTV cameras in hostels and regular surprise inspections.
   • Separate hostels for juniors and seniors to prevent ragging.
3. Psychological Support for Students:
   • Counseling and mental health services for victims.
   • Awareness programs to encourage reporting.
4. Legal Consequences for Perpetrators:
   • Immediate suspension and legal action against those found guilty.
   • Colleges should face penalties if found ignoring ragging cases.
5. Public Awareness and Media Role:
   • Regular reporting of ragging incidents can put pressure on institutions.
   • Influencers and celebrities can use their platforms to raise awareness.

Time for Immediate Action

The SAVE report has exposed a grim reality—medical colleges have become breeding grounds for ragging, leading to countless student deaths. The responsibility now lies with educational institutions, policymakers, and the media to take immediate action.

Ragging is not just a ‘harmless tradition’ but a life-threatening crime. Only through strict laws, awareness, and institutional accountability can we create a safer environment for students.

It’s time to end the culture of ragging and ensure that no student has to suffer in silence.