A tragic incident has unfolded at a medical college in Gujarat, resulting in the death of a first-year MBBS student. Anil Methania, 18, was allegedly forced to stand for three hours by senior students as part of a “ragging” or initiation exercise at the GMERS Medical College and Hospital in Dharpur Patan.
According to reports, Anil collapsed and lost consciousness after the prolonged standing ordeal. He was immediately hospitalized, where he recorded a statement with the police, stating that he had been made to stand for three hours. Tragically, Anil succumbed to his condition shortly after.
Anil’s cousin, Dharmendra, expressed the family’s grief and demand for justice. “We received a call from the college yesterday and were told that Anil collapsed and has been hospitalized. When we reached here, we came to know that third-year students ragged him. We want justice,” he said.
The college authorities have acknowledged the incident and stated that they have informed the police and the family, promising to take strict action. Senior police officer KK Pandya said that Anil’s father had filed a complaint, and a case of accidental death has been registered. The autopsy report is awaited to determine the exact cause of death.
Ragging, a widespread problem in Indian educational institutions, involves seniors harassing and humiliating freshers, often through physical and mental abuse. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has banned ragging in all forms, and colleges are required to take strict action against those found guilty.
The tragic death of Anil Methania has once again highlighted the urgent need for colleges to strictly enforce anti-ragging measures and ensure the safety and well-being of students. As the investigation continues, the hope is that this incident will serve as a wake-up call for the academic community to eradicate the menace of ragging and prevent such devastating consequences in the future.