Spate of ragging cases forces NMC to direct strict action

NEW DELHI: A spate of disturbing ragging complaints by first-year MBBS students - ranging from being forced to imitate sexual acts, change clothes in front of others to late-night humiliation and social boycotts - has prompted National Medical Commission (NMC) to issue 18 notices or communications to 15 medical colleges between Oct 16 and Nov 11.

The complaints, received by NMC's anti-ragging cell, concern 14 colleges in Rajasthan and one in Karnataka. They allege physical and verbal abuse, sexual humiliation, coercive activities, restrictions on juniors' movement, and threats of academic retaliation.

The action comes amid a separate ragging case at Govt Medical College, Jalaun, UP, where videos of alleged harassment of junior students surfaced online in Oct. The college initially suspended seven senior students for a week. Following a wider inquiry, 10 more were found involved, taking the total to 17 students, who were subsequently suspended for three months and fined Rs 25,000 each.

In most cases, NMC sought detailed action taken reports within 24 hours, directing colleges to identify those involved, preserve footage from CCTV cameras and digital evidence, conduct impartial inquiries and protect complainants from intimidation. It has advised colleges to take the strictest action against students found guilty, including suspension or cancellation of their medical registration, an NMC official told TOI. Citing Gujarat as an example, he said some students' registrations had been suspended there. He stressed that enforcement largely rested with state authorities and medical councils, adding lenient approach has often allowed offenders to escape action. "NMC will support the harshest action, provided due process is followed," the official said.

Dr Lakshya Mittal, chairperson United Doctors Front said, "Young students enter medical colleges to build their future, not to face intimidation and exploitation. State govts must act immediately, order independent probes and hold college authorities accountable. No institution can be allowed to shield abuse in the name of tradition."

Some complaints describe particularly disturbing incidents. In Rajasthan's Banswara Govt Medical College, first-year students were allegedly forced to perform degrading postures, imitate sexual acts, dance to 'item' songs and change clothes in front of others. At Churu, complaints included forced haircuts, removal of clothing and sexual humiliation.

Other complaints cited coercive instructions in a "Personality Development Program" document at Sardar Patel Medical College, Bikaner, and alleged emotional and verbal abuse, with possible faculty involvement, at Karnataka's Ballari Medical College. NMC has directed the colleges to conduct confidential student interviews, provide counselling and prevent retaliation against complainants. It has also sought details of the functioning of their anti-ragging committees and squads.