Northeast Desk, 13th October: A shocking case of severe ragging has come to light at the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Tura campus in Meghalaya, where a student from Nagaland reportedly endured harsh treatment at the hands of his seniors.
The incident, said to have occurred on the night of October 8 in the Arbella Boys’ hostel, involved the victim, an MBA student in the Department of Agri Business Management.
According to reports, he was summoned from his room after 1 a.m. by a group of students who seemed to be his seniors. Taking advantage of a power disruption, they used mobile phone flashlights to subject him to verbal abuse and force him into degrading actions.
In a state of fear and panic, the student complied, allegedly after being physically assaulted by the perpetrators. The following day, he left the hostel campus and returned to Nagaland, where he filed a police report.
The Naga Students’ Union (NSU) in Shillong has demanded swift action against those responsible and has written to NEHU Vice-Chancellor Professor Prabha Shankar Shukla, seeking his immediate intervention and justice for the student within 24 hours.
The Mima Students’ Union (MSU) in Kohima has also raised the matter with NEHU authorities. MSU President Meteiienuo Ngukha has urged the Angami Krotho in Shillong to intervene and advocate for justice for the student. He condemned the practice of ragging and any form of violence.
As of now, NEHU authorities have not issued a statement on the incident. NEHU Vice Chancellor Professor Prabha Shankar Shukla is expected to release an official statement regarding the matter.
It’s noteworthy that ragging is a punishable offense in India, with potential imprisonment and fines. Even if the specific individuals involved are not identified, all participants present at the ragging activity may be liable for punishment under the Act, which includes collective punishment to deter potential raggers.