Kerala Ragging Incident: LoP Satheesan Calls for SFI's Disbandment
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Synopsis
V.D. Satheesan, the Leader of the Opposition in Kerala, has urged the CPI-M to dissolve the Students Federation of India following a shocking ragging incident at Kottayam's Nursing College hostel, highlighting systemic issues within student organizations.
Key Takeaways
- V.D. Satheesan demands the disbandment of SFI.
- Recent ragging incident linked to previous tragedy in Wayanad.
- Allegations of involvement in drug and alcohol procurement.
- Authorities face criticism for ignorance of the incidents.
- Public protests call for accountability and tougher actions.
Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14 (NationPress) The Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, V.D. Satheesan, called on the CPI-M to dissolve its student wing, the Students Federation of India (SFI), in light of a horrifying ragging incident that occurred at the state-run Nursing College hostel in Kottayam.
“This event follows closely on the heels of the tragic incident at the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Wayanad, where SFI members were involved in the alleged suicide of junior student J.S. Sidharthan. In Kottayam, the only distinction is that it did not lead to murder. The CPI-M must act swiftly to disband the SFI,” stated Satheesan.
“The CPI-M has been protective of the individuals involved in the Wayanad case, and the main accused in the Kottayam incident is affiliated with the SFI. What is even more alarming is that the Kottayam incident unfolded in a hostel designated for Scheduled Caste students,” Satheesan added.
On Wednesday, third-year students Rahul Raj, NS Jeeva, N.P. Vivek, Rigil Jeeth, and Samuel Johnson were apprehended and subsequently placed in judicial custody after a first-year student filed a complaint with the police on February 11.
The harrowing footage of the violent attack on first-year students broadcasted on Malayalam news channels sent shockwaves through the community. In the clips, senior students were seen laughing and making vulgar remarks while the victim was bound to a bed, with a heavy object placed on his private parts, and his body injured with a compass.
The role of the college authorities has also been called into question, as they claimed to be unaware of the incident.
First-year students faced threats of severe repercussions if they reported the occurrences. Satheesan revealed that it has now come to light that senior students were involved in this act to fund the purchase of drugs and alcohol.
“It's astonishing that the authorities had no knowledge of this. CM Vijayan and your party must not shield the perpetrators,” said Satheesan.
Meanwhile, State Health Minister Veena George announced that officials from the Directorate of Medical Education are compiling a report on the incident.
“The response will not merely involve suspensions. The explanation provided by the authorities is inadequate. CCTV cameras are installed in the corridors. I was unable to view the complete footage as it was too distressing. What transpired is unacceptable,” stated George.
On Thursday, student factions from both Congress and the BJP held protest marches at the college, prompting police to use water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Public sentiment has overwhelmingly condemned the incident, with calls for stringent measures against the offenders. The police investigation team is also looking into whether additional individuals are involved.
