MGM Medical College student withdraws ragging complaint:PG student cites misunderstanding with seniors; Anti-Ragging Committee records statements of 24 students, teachers

The first-year postgraduate student from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at MGM Medical College, Indore, has withdrawn her ragging complaint in three days after filing it. The student had emailed the UGC’s National Anti-Ragging Cell on Thursday, alleging mental harassment and intimidation by her seniors. The complaint triggered an internal inquiry by the college’s Anti-Ragging Committee, which on Saturday recorded statements from 24 students, including four seniors named in the complaint, along with the Head of Department (HOD) and faculty members. Student cites ‘mutual misunderstanding’ In her follow-up statement, the student told the committee that the issue was a “mutual misunderstanding” between her and her seniors, which they have now resolved amicably. The matter is between us and has been sorted out. she said in a telephonic statement, as she was at her home during the inquiry. Dean Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria confirmed that the student and her father had both agreed to withdraw the complaint, stating it arose from a miscommunication. We have spoken to the student’s father. He said the complaint was filed in haste due to some misunderstanding, which has now been resolved internally. Dr. Ghanghoria said. Trigger for the dispute: leave and duty roster confusion The college inquiry found that the student had gone on medical leave for 14 days with formal approval. During her absence, senior students had reportedly asked who would cover her duty shifts, which led to an exchange that the complainant perceived as harassment. As per the investigation, a WhatsApp message was circulated in an informal departmental group, questioning the frequent leaves taken by some junior doctors and discussing duty reassignments. The student felt targeted by the comments and, distressed, filed the complaint. Seniors deny ragging allegations The four senior students named in the complaint denied any ragging, telling the Anti-Ragging Committee that no coercion or intimidation took place. We had only discussed work schedules, which she seems to have misunderstood. they stated. The committee also examined the WhatsApp group chat mentioned in the complaint. According to officials, no objectionable messages suggesting ragging or mental harassment were found. Faculty and HOD questioned by committee The Anti-Ragging Committee also summoned the HOD, Dr. Nilesh Dalal, and all faculty members of the department. Committee members reportedly asked why the faculty had not been aware of the alleged incident or received any prior complaint. Dr. Dalal and the faculty maintained that the department’s environment is generally “positive and cooperative.” They said, We have an open-door policy for students, and no one has ever reported such issues to us before. Recurring pattern of ragging complaints at MGM This incident adds to a worrying pattern at MGM Medical College. In the past two years, at least six ragging complaints have been filed, only to be retracted later, reportedly due to pressure or fear of seniors. In December 2024, a post from an anonymous account named ‘Please Help Me’ on X (formerly Twitter) alleged hostel-based ragging and physical harassment by seniors. The committee recorded statements of 54 students, but none admitted to witnessing or experiencing ragging. A 2018 complaint to the UGC Anti-Ragging Cell had similarly described brutal “initiation rituals” in the hostel, including being forced to stand for six hours during late-night sessions on the terrace. Yet, each time, investigations have ended without evidence after complainants withdrew their statements. Safety gaps: no panic buttons, no faculty rounds Following the 2024 incident, the college administration had announced installation of panic buttons in hostels and mandatory weekly faculty rounds to check on student welfare. However, sources revealed that these measures remain unimplemented. Faculty members rarely visits the hostel premises, and reports suggest continued late-night gatherings and alcohol consumption in some hostels. These lapses have allowed a culture of silence and fear to persist, say insiders. College promises action and regular rounds Dean Dr. Arvind Ghanghoria has assured that the administration will take corrective steps to restore trust among students. The student and her father have confirmed that the issue has been resolved. The Anti-Ragging Committee has taken statements from all concerned. Going forward, I will personally conduct weekly rounds in all departments to interact with students and ensure a safe and supportive environment. he said.