UP: 150 medical students forced to shave heads, 'salute' seniors
What's the story
College authorities across the nation have been talking about ragging and claim a lot has been done to curtail this menace. However, nothing seems to have changed on the ground as freshers are still subject to abuse and harassment. One such case was reported from Uttar Pradesh, where first-year students of a medical college were forced to shave their heads and "salute" seniors.
Ragging
Nearly 150 students, who joined college recently, were humiliated
The incident was reported from Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences in Saifai, Etawah, on Tuesday. 150 freshers, who joined the government college recently, were seen walking on the campus with their tonsured heads. One video of the incident purportedly showed them jogging and saluting their seniors. In fact, one clip showed that a guard stood close to the juniors, but he didn't intervene.
Statement
When police spoke to students, they didn't complain
Reports suggested that juniors were being ragged for the last six days. The female students were directed to tie their hair. After the case got attention, Saifai DCP Massa Singh and Inspector Chandra Dev Singh reached the campus and had a word with juniors. Reportedly, all freshers told the police they tonsured their heads willingly. They even said none of the seniors troubled them.
Official's stance
College's V-C said they have taken steps to stop ragging
Speaking on the incident, Dr. Raj Kumar, the vice-chancellor of the university, said the college has special squads to keep a check on ragging. He also said students have been suspended in the past for indulging in such actions. "We keep a strict vigil on such activities and we have a separate dean social welfare for students," he told NDTV.
Assurances
I will keep an eye, promised the vice-chancellor
Further, Dr. Kumar said if there has been any indiscipline, strong action would be taken. He went on to add, "Students can approach at least their warden. I want to assure juniors that they need not worry. I will keep an eye." Separately, Etawah Collector JB Singh said that reports have been sought from the registrar and Saifai's SDM.