Anil Methania was a first-year student at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Dharpur Patan
New Delhi:
A first-year student of a medical college in Gujarat has reportedly died after being made to stand for three hours as part of a dressing exercise by seniors. Anil Methania was among the first-year students enrolled at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Dharpur Patan, this year. It is alleged that third year students at the hostel made them stand for three hours at a time for an “introduction”. “Introduction” or “intro” is a word often used for irregular activities on residential campuses where seniors harass freshmen.
It is alleged that after standing for three hours, 18-year-old Anil collapsed and became unconscious. He was admitted to hospital and made a statement to the police that he had to stand for three hours. He died shortly afterwards. The body has been sent for autopsy and the report is likely to provide more information about the cause of death.
Anil's cousin Dharmendra said the family stays in Surendranagar district of Gujarat, over 150 km from the university in Patan. “We received a call from the university yesterday and were told that Anil had collapsed and was hospitalized. When we reached here, we came to know that third year students had beaten him up. We want justice,” he said.
Hardik Shah, the dean of the medical college, said, “As soon as we came to know that he had collapsed, we admitted him to the hospital. He told police he was in ragged clothes and had to stand for three hours. the family and will try to take strict action.”
Senior police officer KK Pandya said the student's father had filed a complaint and a case of accidental death had been registered. “The autopsy has been conducted and the medical examiner has been asked to submit a report on the incident. We will take further action based on the findings,” he said. Asked about the different angle, the senior officer said, “We have sought detailed information from the council on this point as well.” News agency PTI later reported that 15 senior students have been named in the FIR.
Higher education regulator University Grants Commission has banned any form of ragging on educational campuses and affiliated institutions have been asked to take strict action against those found guilty of ragging or complicity in ragging.
Input by Mahendra Prasad