In a shocking incident, 15 second-year MBBS students of a medical college in Patan district, Gujarat, were arrested on Monday in connection with the death of a first-year student, Anil Methaniya (18). The police have charged the accused with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among other offences.
According to the FIR filed by the college authorities, Methaniya and 10 of his batchmates were allegedly subjected to severe mental and physical harassment during a ragging session in the college hostel on Saturday night. The accused reportedly forced the juniors to stand for over three hours, engage in humiliating acts such as singing, dancing, and uttering abusive words, while being prohibited from leaving the room.
Victim’s Health Deteriorates Amid “Torture”
Methaniya’s health reportedly deteriorated during the ordeal, and he later succumbed, prompting the authorities to act swiftly. “We have arrested all 15 accused,” confirmed Inspector PJ Solanki of the Balisana police station.
College Launches Internal Probe
Dr. Hardik Shah, the college dean and chairperson of the anti-ragging committee, stated that a thorough investigation was conducted, involving statements from 26 students — 11 first-years and 15 second-years. “The committee established that the victim and 10 other first-year students were subjected to ragging by the accused,” a college official said.
The FIR, filed shortly after midnight on Monday by Dr. Anil Bhathija, the additional dean, cited multiple sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including culpable homicide not amounting to murder, wrongful confinement, unlawful assembly, and the use of obscene words.
A Wake-Up Call for Anti-Ragging Enforcement
The tragic incident has reignited concerns over the effectiveness of anti-ragging measures in educational institutions. Although ragging is strictly prohibited under law and monitored by anti-ragging committees, cases like this highlight lapses in enforcement.
The Gujarat Police and college authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure accountability and justice for the victim. Meanwhile, Methaniya’s death has sent shockwaves through the academic community, with calls for stricter actions against perpetrators of ragging.
The case continues to be under investigation as the state grapples with the aftermath of this devastating incident.