Ragging report: Student beaten and given spat-out water to drink at Karyavattom college

Thiruvananthapuram: Again a shocking incident of ragging has been reported in the state. The incident at Karyavattom Government College in Thiruvananthapuram, where a first-year biotechnology student, Bins Jose, filed a complaint with the principal and the Kazhakkoottam police. The college’s anti-ragging committee, after investigating the matter, confirmed that the assault had indeed taken place, implicating seven third-year undergraduate students.

The incident occurred on the 11th of this month when a conflict between senior and junior students escalated into violence. According to the complaint, Bins Jose’s friend, Abhishek, was first attacked by senior students. In response to complaints from both groups, the Kazhakkoottam police registered a case that same day.

However, the situation worsened when a group of seniors allegedly sought out Bins Jose, forcibly took him to the unit room, and physically assaulted him. The victim claims that he was made to kneel, beaten repeatedly on the back and face, and even after collapsing, the attack continued. In a shocking act of humiliation, when he requested water, the perpetrators allegedly gave him a bottle after spitting into it.

The anti-ragging committee verified the claims by reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements. The complaint names seven senior students—Velu, Prince, Ananthan, Parthan, Alan, Shravan, and Salman—as the accused. Following the findings of the committee, the principal submitted a report to the Kazhakkoottam police, prompting further legal action.

Kazhakkoottam police have confirmed that a formal case of ragging will be registered based on the principal’s report. This incident has raised serious concerns over student safety and the persistence of ragging culture despite strict anti-ragging laws in educational institutions. Authorities are expected to take strict action to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.