The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi has suspended 10 students and taken disciplinary action against 62 others for ragging juniors. The ragging took place on August 28, 2023, at the institute's hostel.
According to a statement issued by the institute, the ragging incident took place when a group of seniors forced juniors to sing songs, dance, and perform other activities. The seniors also allegedly made obscene remarks and gestures at the juniors.
The institute took action against the students after a complaint was filed by the victims. The suspended students have been barred from entering the institute premises and attending classes. The disciplinary action against the other students includes warning, reprimand, and rustication.
IIT Mandi Director Prof. Soumya Kanti Mohanty said that the institute has a zero-tolerance policy against ragging. "We will take strict action against anyone found guilty of ragging," he said.
Ragging is a serious offense that can have a lasting impact on the victims. It can cause physical and emotional harm, and it can also lead to psychological problems. The institute has urged students to report any cases of ragging to the authorities.
The ragging incident at IIT Mandi is the latest in a series of such incidents at Indian institutes of technology. In recent years, there have been several cases of ragging at IITs, including the death of a student at IIT Roorkee in 2017.
The government has taken steps to curb ragging, including the introduction of the anti-ragging law in 1999. However, ragging continues to be a problem in Indian institutes of technology.
The IITs need to do more to prevent ragging and to create a culture of respect and tolerance among students. They should also provide counseling and support services to victims of ragging.
