Four MBBS Students Barred for Ragging at Nagarkurnool Medical College

Nagarkurnool, Telangana: In a fresh incident highlighting persistent concerns around campus safety in medical institutions, the Government Medical College (GMC) in Nagarkurnool has suspended four second-year MBBS students after an inquiry confirmed their involvement in ragging a first-year student.

According to college officials, the matter surfaced nearly two weeks ago when the junior student submitted a formal complaint alleging that a group of seniors had coerced him into performing repeated sit-ups and salutes—acts falling squarely under punishable ragging behaviour as defined by the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Anti-Ragging Regulations, 2009.

College moves swiftly after complaint

Speaking to The Hindu, GMC Nagarkurnool Principal Dr. Rama Devi confirmed that the administration acted promptly upon receiving the complaint. An internal inquiry committee, comprising faculty members and representatives from the anti-ragging cell, examined statements from both the victim and the accused students.

“The committee verified the facts and concluded that the allegations were accurate,” Dr. Devi said, reiterating that the college maintains a zero-tolerance stance on ragging.

Disciplinary action: Suspension and hostel expulsion

Following the inquiry, all four students were found guilty of engaging in ragging and were penalised under institutional regulations. The disciplinary measures include:

• Two-month suspension from all academic activities
• One-year cancellation of hostel facility, requiring the students to seek accommodation off-campus
• Possible reporting of the incident to the National Anti-Ragging Helpline, as mandated by UGC guidelines

Faculty members noted that such actions are consistent with the broader national framework that mandates strict penalties for any form of psychological or physical harassment of junior students.

Second incident this year raises deeper concerns

This is not the first such case at GMC Nagarkurnool. In March 2024, a similar episode was reported where a first-year MBBS student was allegedly forced into a painful “air-chair” position and assaulted by seniors. Three second-year students were suspended at that time.

The recurrence of ragging incidents within the same academic year has prompted discussions among faculty and student welfare committees about strengthening awareness programmes, expanding CCTV surveillance, and increasing night-round monitoring inside hostels.

Growing national spotlight on ragging in medical institutions

Ragging cases across medical colleges nationwide continue to draw scrutiny from the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), National Medical Commission (NMC), and the Supreme Court-mandated Anti-Ragging Committee. Medical colleges are required to maintain active anti-ragging squads, organise orientation sessions, and ensure all students file online anti-ragging undertakings.

Health education experts emphasise that despite strict regulations, the culture of ragging persists in pockets due to hierarchical academic structures, hostel dominance, and social pressure among new entrants.

Administration reiterates commitment to student safety

GMC Nagarkurnool officials have stated that additional sensitisation sessions will be organised for senior batches and that all incoming students will receive enhanced orientation regarding their rights, complaint mechanisms, and mental health support.

The college has also urged students to immediately report any harassment through the internal anti-ragging committee or via the national toll-free helpline (1800-180-5522).