Another ragging case surfaces at Indore’s MGM Medical College:Junior students allege assault by suspended seniors; second such incident in a month

Ragging cases at MGM Medical College show no signs of abating, with a second serious incident reported within a month. Juniors have alleged physical assault, intimidation and forced consumption of alcohol, pointing to a pattern of repeated violations despite earlier disciplinary action against seniors. Anonymous complaint, victim includes a doctor’s son This time, instead of a formal complaint to the University Grants Commission (UGC), an anonymous letter reached the college authorities. The anti-ragging committee’s inquiry confirmed the allegations. According to the complaint, junior students of the 2025 batch were called to a private flat by seniors from the 2024 batch, where they were beaten and forced to dance. One of the victims is the son of a prominent doctor from Indore. Repeat offenders among accused seniors The inquiry revealed that two seniors named in the latest case were also involved in the November 18 ragging incident. They had been suspended for one month by the college management earlier. The recurrence of allegations has raised questions about the effectiveness of suspensions as a deterrent. Juniors too intimidated to speak freely After the complaint surfaced, senior and junior students were summoned separately to record statements before the committee. Ragging was confirmed during the process. Juniors were reportedly so fearful after the incidents that they struggled to speak openly during questioning. Investigation underway Dean Dr Arvind Ghanghoria said: The college administration has taken the matter seriously and a detailed inquiry is underway. After receiving the complaint, the anti-ragging committee immediately initiated an investigation and recorded statements of both junior and senior students separately. Sports harassment: hours of forced fielding In another recent complaint, junior students alleged harassment during sports activities. They claimed seniors played cricket while forcing juniors to do fielding for hours without breaks and without allowing them to bat, keeping them standing in the field for prolonged periods. This complaint is also under inquiry. November case: alleged confinement for hours On November 18, junior students had lodged a complaint with the UGC, which was forwarded to the college the next day. An anti-ragging cell meeting followed on November 20, leading to the suspension of four senior students for a month. Juniors had alleged regular harassment, verbal abuse, assault at private flats, pressure to consume alcohol and cigarettes, and being confined for nearly three hours. Earlier PG ragging allegation In October, a first-year postgraduate student from the obstetrics and gynaecology department had alleged severe mental harassment due to ragging. She claimed the stress led to a 22 kg weight loss over four months and forced her to take a 14-day break by returning home. The complaint was later withdrawn. Over eight ragging complaints in two years The college has seen more than eight ragging complaints over the past two years. In December 2024, an X account named ‘Please Help Me’ highlighted hostel ragging, prompting the committee to record statements from 54 students, all of whom denied the allegations. Another complaint to the UGC alleged overnight ragging on hostel rooftops and being forced to stand for up to six hours during sports-related harassment.