Agartala, Tripura: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has initiated suo-moto action in response to an FIR filed against 12 students of Tripura Medical College (TMC) for alleged involvement in ragging, underscoring the severity of the accusations and the impact on students’ human rights.
The commission has directed the District Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, and college authorities to conduct a full investigation and submit findings within three weeks.
The THRC, led by Chairperson Justice S.C. Das with members Udit Chowdhury and B.K. Roy, issued this order on October 28, responding to multiple reports that raised concerns about unchecked ragging at the TMC campus in Hapania, West Tripura.
In its statement, the commission reiterated that ragging is not only a criminal offense but also an infringement of students’ rights, demanding immediate action under the Tripura Educational Institutions (Prevention of Ragging) Act, 1990. The commission warned that any leniency in such cases could further encourage harmful practices that degrade educational environments.
Reports of recurring ragging incidents at TMC have brought attention to what some believe is a broader issue of lax enforcement in Tripura’s academic institutions. The commission has had prior experience with similar cases across the state, having taken action in ragging cases at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas in Bandowar and Dharmanagar, where it issued detailed recommendations to curb such behavior.
In its current directive, the THRC has called for immediate cooperation and accountability from three key parties:
- The Principal of Tripura Medical College must compile and present a comprehensive report on the incident.
- The District Magistrate of West Tripura has been tasked with conducting an independent investigation.
- The Superintendent of Police of West Tripura is expected to further probe the allegations to ensure transparency.
All reports are expected within three weeks, with the commission emphasizing the importance of a thorough and unbiased examination to ensure that justice is upheld. Copies of the THRC order, along with accompanying reports, have been sent to the concerned authorities to support a swift response and establish a precedent of zero tolerance for ragging in Tripura’s educational institutions.
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