Kottayam, Kerala : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a gruesome ragging case in Kerala’s Kottayam Government Nursing College, demanding a detailed report from the state police within 10 days.
The incident, which has shaken the nation’s conscience, involved senior students allegedly torturing, assaulting, and extorting first-year students over the past three months. The Kerala government has pledged strict legal action against those responsible.
Brutality Captured on Video
A viral video exposed the horrifying ordeal faced by the juniors. In the footage, seniors can be seen tying a student to a bed, placing a heavy object on his genitals, and poking him with a sharp compass—all while laughing and making lewd remarks.
The victims have reported enduring physical and psychological torture since November 2024. According to police statements, the accused forced juniors to transfer money online to fund their alcohol consumption on Sundays. In some cases, victims were allegedly threatened with a knife and subjected to painful, degrading acts.
Legal Ramifications and NHRC's Stand
The NHRC, in a strongly worded statement, called the case “a grave violation of human dignity and fundamental rights.”
“These actions are not only morally reprehensible but also illegal, constituting offenses under multiple sections of India’s anti-ragging laws and criminal statutes,” the NHRC statement read.
The Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed that the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) has launched an investigation, and the accused students have been suspended.
The Kerala police have booked the five arrested students—Rahul Raj, NS Jeeva, NP Vivek, Rigil Jeeth, and Samuel Johnson—under the Prohibition of Ragging Act and various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Political Controversy and Government’s Response
The case has triggered a political storm, with the opposition Congress-led UDF accusing the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) of shielding the accused. However, the Kerala Higher Education Minister R Bindu has denied any political connections, stating that the law will take its course.
Since the incident took place in a Kerala University of Health Sciences institution, authorities have acknowledged limited direct intervention but assured that justice will be delivered.
With rising concerns over student safety and enforcement of anti-ragging laws, human rights activists are urging stricter monitoring in educational institutions across the country.
