An 18-year-old medical student at GMERS Medical College in Patan, Gujarat, died late Saturday night after allegedly being subjected to ragging by senior students, officials said on Sunday. The incident has sparked calls for a thorough investigation and action against those responsible.
The student, identified as Anil Natwarbhai Methaniya, was a first-year medical student from Jesda village in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. Authorities said he collapsed after reportedly being made to stand for hours during an alleged ragging session in the college hostel.
College Dean Dr. Hardik Shah said Methaniya was rushed to the emergency department at the Dharpur Hospital after he lost consciousness but was declared dead on arrival. The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination, he added.
“Some students have alleged that first-year students, including Methaniya, were forced to stand for over three hours as part of a ragging session. We have launched a probe and will take strict action against those found guilty,” Shah said.
Methaniya’s cousin, Dharmendra Methaniya, told reporters the family was informed of the death late Saturday night. “We demand a fair investigation. We have heard that Anil and other first-year students were ragged by third-year students,” he said.
A fellow first-year student, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that more than 10 students were called to designated hostel blocks at 9 p.m. on Saturday via messages on a student WhatsApp group. “We were asked to introduce ourselves and stand for hours based on the regions we came from,” the student alleged.
Patan Superintendent of Police (SP) Ravindra Patel said an accidental death report had been filed at Balisana police station. “We have sought a report from the college’s anti-ragging committee and will take necessary action based on its findings,” Patel said.
Ragging, a form of bullying common in educational institutions in India, has been linked to severe psychological and physical harm. Despite stringent anti-ragging laws and measures, incidents persist, prompting concerns about enforcement and accountability in colleges.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
