Chennai: In a chilling case of ragging, a minor boy, aged 14, pursuing a course in an Industrial Training Institute, was stripped and thrashed by three of his batchmates, all older than him, at a government-run hostel in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
A triggering video of the boy stripped nude and being mercilessly beaten up inside a hostel room, which was shot by a witness, surfaced on social media on Tuesday, causing strong outrage. The incident took place on September 18.
Accused Identified as Juveniles
According to police, the accused in the ragging incident are all juveniles aged between 15 and 17. The accused boys were also studying first year ITI.
Complaint and Police Action
The victim hailing from a village in Theni district had this year joined the ITI course after passing class 8. “In a ragging session, his batch mates stripped him and delivered blows ignoring his pleas for mercy,” said a police officer, ruling out any caste angle to the incident. The hostel is run by the Kallar Reclamation Department, near Usilampatti in Madurai.
“The boy’s father, who learnt of the ragging, has lodged a complaint. We have taken up investigation and also detained the three accused boys for questioning. We shall take up further action as per law considering the boys are juveniles,” said a senior police officer in Madurai. A case of assault and criminal intimidation in addition to under the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1997, has been registered against them.
Legal and Institutional Consequences
Ragging is a serious issue in India, having destroyed the careers of countless students and even resulting in deaths. The Regulations on Curbing Ragging mandate severe punishment for offenders, including:
-Suspension or expulsion from the hostel or institution
-Cancellation of admission or scholarships
-Debarment from examination or representation in competitions
-Fine of up to ₹25,000 and imprisonment for 2 years
Institutions that fail to prevent or act against ragging can be penalised, such as collective punishment if the wrongdoers are not identified.
