Is Ragging Still a Problem in Tamil Nadu? 14-Year-Old ITI Student Assaulted in Madurai Hostel
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Synopsis
A shocking case of ragging unfolds in Madurai as a 14-year-old ITI student is assaulted by his hostel mates. The incident, filmed and shared online, raises urgent questions about student safety in Tamil Nadu's educational institutions. As outrage grows, can we expect effective measures to combat this persistent issue?
Key Takeaways
- Ragging remains a significant issue in Tamil Nadu's educational institutions.
- Legal measures exist, but enforcement is often lacking.
- Victim support systems are crucial for addressing the effects of ragging.
- A comprehensive approach is needed to ensure student safety.
- Awareness campaigns can help change the culture surrounding ragging.
Madurai, Sep 23 (NationPress) In a shocking instance of ragging, a 14-year-old student from a government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) located in Chekkanoorani, near Usilampatti in Madurai district, was stripped and viciously assaulted by three of his fellow hostel residents.
The incident, which occurred on September 18, was captured on video by another student and gained public attention only after the footage went viral on September 23, sparking a wave of outrage.
According to police reports, the victim, a first-year ITI student hailing from Varusanadu in Theni district, had enrolled after completing Class VIII and was residing in a hostel operated by the Department of Kallar Reclamation.
The assailants, aged 15 and 17, were also first-year students.
Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s father, law enforcement filed a case under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1997, in addition to charges of assault and criminal intimidation.
The juveniles have been taken into custody for questioning.
Madurai Superintendent of Police B.K. Arvind stated that the incident was “a case of ragging and not related to caste-based violence.”
This latest occurrence has drawn significant backlash, as ragging continues to affect educational institutions in Tamil Nadu, despite ongoing efforts to combat it through legal measures.
Earlier this year, Madurai Medical College faced scrutiny when second-year MBBS students were suspended for allegedly ragging newcomers during hostel hours. The inquiry committee discovered evidence of both physical and verbal abuse, leading to criticism from health officials and student organizations.
In 2020, a student at a polytechnic in Villupuram district was hospitalized after being coerced into performing degrading acts by hostel peers.
In 2013, a first-year student at a private engineering college in Salem was stripped and assaulted by seniors, an event that sparked widespread outrage.
In 2009, a student from SVS College of Engineering in Coimbatore sustained severe injuries after being attacked by seniors in his hostel, while that same year, a nursing student in Dharmapuri attempted suicide due to continual ragging.
Although Tamil Nadu was one of the first states to implement a dedicated anti-ragging law in 1997, such incidents persist, highlighting deficiencies in enforcement and oversight.
Child rights advocates and educators have consistently urged for enhanced hostel supervision, confidential reporting channels, and awareness initiatives to safeguard young students from such maltreatment.
Point of View
The recurring issue of ragging in Tamil Nadu's educational institutions signals a pressing need for reform. Despite existing laws, incidents of violence persist, highlighting the inadequacies in enforcement and student protection. It is imperative for the government and educational authorities to prioritize measures that ensure the safety and well-being of students, fostering an environment free from fear and abuse.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ragging?
Ragging refers to the practice of harassing new students, often involving humiliating acts, physical violence, or verbal abuse, typically by senior students.
What legal measures are in place against ragging in Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu has enacted the Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1997, which aims to prevent ragging in educational institutions and provides for strict penalties against offenders.
What should students do if they experience ragging?
Students should report incidents of ragging to the appropriate authorities within their institutions or contact local law enforcement. Confidential reporting mechanisms should be utilized whenever possible.
How can educational institutions prevent ragging?
Institutions can prevent ragging by establishing strict anti-ragging policies, conducting awareness campaigns, and ensuring proper supervision in hostels and common areas.
What support is available for victims of ragging?
Victims of ragging are entitled to seek psychological counseling, legal aid, and support from child rights organizations and educational institutions.
