MBBS Student In Odisha’s Berhampur Alleges Ragging, Physical Assault By Seniors; Probe Launched

Berhampur: A first-year MBBS student at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Odisha’s Berhampur was allegedly subjected to ragging by his seniors in the hostel.

According to preliminary information, the MBBS student, identified as Rudra Rout from Balasore, was allegedly beaten up by two seniors on February 9 night. The matter came to light after a  complaint was lodged at Baidyanathpur police station.

Based on the complaint, the police registered a case against two fourth-year MBBS students of the college – Stalin Mahapatra and Jyoti Prakash rout.

According to Berhampur SP Dr Saravana Vivek M, the two fourth-year students allegedly attacked Rudra inside the MKCG campus while he was returning after Band practice around 11 pm on February 9. Rudra reported the incident at Baidyanathpur police station under Berhampur police district on February 11. Following which, a case under Sections 341, 323, 325 and 34 of IPC (offences of voluntarily causing hurt and wrongful restraint), was registered.

During the investigation, police visited the spot, recorded the statements of the victim and others. The victim was also medically examined, while the accused persons were served notice and made to appear at the police station.

Based on further investigation, legal action would be taken against the accused persons, he said.

A report would also be sent to the Dean of MKCG Medical College and Hospital for taking necessary action against the perpetrators as per the guidelines issued by UGC. The Anti-Ragging Committee of the institute would be convened and action would be taken against the senior students, the SP added.

Sujay Rout, father of the victim student Rudra, alleged on the social media ‘X’ that his son staying at Gents Hostel 2 on MKCG campus faced ragging by two seniors when he was returning from Band rehearsal. As per seniors’ request, he dropped them near police out post on the campus. But the senior students beat him severely. Now his son is in depression, the father alleged.

He further said that one of the students named Prafulla Mahapatra of fourth year MBBS requested him not to report the incident. Injury mark is on the face and neck, he added.

Meanwhile, Dean and Principal of MKCG Medical College and Hospital Santosh Kumar Mishra said that they have formed a 4-member team to probe the incident and the allegation has been referred to the Anti-Ragging cell.

Additional Director DMET Dr Umakant Satpathy said that steps have been initiated to check ragging in medical colleges. “There is an anti-ragging cell and authorities are taking steps. In this particular case, the institution authorities are investigating the matter along with the police. Appropriate steps will be taken based on it,” he added.