Berhampur University In Odisha Orders Probe Into Ragging On UGC’s Direction

Berhampur: Berhampur University has ordered an investigation into allegation of ragging in one of its hostels on the direction of the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The UGC had forwarded a complaint of a first-year student to the university authorities. The Commission’s anti-ragging cell directed the university to investigate the matter and submit a report at the earliest.

The first-year student, in his complaint to the UGC, alleged that about 15 of their seniors came to their hostel inside Bhanja Bihar campus where the students of the new batch were accommodated at about 11 pm on Saturday. The seniors asked the juniors various questions on the pretext of introduction and did not let them sleep before they left at 5 am.

Besides asking their names, address, hobby and other details, they asked the first-year students to sing and dance throughout the night, the complainant stated.

The victim students were so scared that they did not dare reveal the ragging to anybody immediately. However, one student sent a mail to UGC Anti-Ragging Cell about the incident without naming anyone.

On the UGC’s direction, Vice-Chancellor in-charge and PG Council Chairman Prof Sukant Kumar Tripathy directed a 12-member anti-ragging squad to investigate the allegation and submit a report at the earliest. “We have not yet found any evidence about the ragging allegation. The CCTV cameras in the hostel are being checked. Anyone found guilty will be handed out strict punishment,” Prof Tripathy said.

The anti-ragging squad members led by Prof Tripathy also met the first-year students and assured them of their safety.

The Anti-Ragging Committee and the Board of Residence held separate meetings at Old Syndicate Hall to discuss the issue in presence of Head of the Departments, wardens and all 16 hostel superintendents.

Warden Prof Sudhakar Patra directed senior students not to venture into juniors’ hostels. He said various committees comprising students would be formed to maintain peace and harmony in the hostels.

It has also been decided that the gate of boys’ hostels would remain closed from 10 pm to 5 am everyday. The CCTV footage of the seniors’ hostel would be examined. Night patrolling would be intensified on the campus. Besides, the anti-ragging squad has been asked to regularly visit the hostels and other vulnerable areas.