08 October,2023 08:00 PM IST | Palghar | mid-day online correspondent
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An investigation has been launched into allegations of ragging at the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Palghar, Maharashtra. The school's principal, George Abraham, confirmed the existence of complaints against five students accused of subjecting ten of their peers to ragging, stated a PTI report.
JNV, a network of schools administered by the Union government, primarily serves rural areas across the country. The allegations of ragging, a deeply concerning form of bullying, have raised serious concerns within the educational institution.
Principal George Abraham acknowledged the gravity of the situation and stated that, given the ongoing examination period, any punitive action against the accused would be taken only after the conclusion of the exams. This approach ensures that students are not unduly distracted during this crucial period of their academic year, stated the report.
Ragging, which involves the mistreatment, humiliation, or harassment of new or junior students by their seniors, has been a persistent issue in educational institutions across India. Recognizing the harmful impact it can have on students' physical and psychological well-being, many states have implemented stringent anti-ragging measures, including disciplinary actions and legal consequences for perpetrators.
Jadavpur University has issued a directive for all first-year male residents of the primary hostel to temporarily relocate to an alternative facility. This decision follows the tragic incident of an 18-year-old Bengali Honours undergraduate student, Swapnadip Kundu, losing his life after falling from a balcony in the older hostel building.
Kundu, hailing from Bagula in Nadia district, fell from a balcony in the main hostel building. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries a day after his fall.
A fellow first-year student, Arpan Majhi, has alleged that Kundu's death was a result of ragging by some senior students. Preliminary investigations indicate that the student was subjected to bullying allegedly by a few senior residents of the hostel. Governor CV Ananda Bose, who also serves as the chancellor of the university, personally visited the hostel to offer his condolences and support to Kundu's grieving father. He assured Kundu's father of decisive action against those responsible for the tragic loss of his son's life.
With PTI inputs
