Kannur, Kerala: The incidents of ragging have now moved beyond college campuses and onto trains in Kerala. The Mangaluru–Kannur passenger train (No. 56718) has become a focal point for student harassment, earning the nickname “Ragging Express” after multiple reports of violence and intimidation onboard.

In a recent incident, a teacher from Manjeshwar Government College, a native of Kanhangad, was physically assaulted by students on board.

The group of students, reportedly involved in ragging, turned on the teacher who was travelling in the same coach. He sustained facial injuries and later sought medical treatment. Railway police have registered a case, and following a directive from the Kasaragod SP, two officers have been deployed on the train for added security.

Junior students studying in Mangaluru say the evening Mangaluru–Kannur and morning Cheruvathur–Mangaluru passenger trains have become a nightmare due to ragging by seniors. The juniors, afraid to report the abuse, have begun opting for bus travel instead. The complaints have also emerged that videos of the ragging incidents are being shared on social media.

Passengers who confront the students during acts such as smoking are reportedly ganged up on. Ragging often occurs near train doors or in groups around seats. Despite repeated warnings from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Railway Police, the harassment has continued.

Back in July 2014, following an incident where four students were injured with blades, the Kasaragod district police chief, Thomson Jose, had deployed 14 police personnel on trains for security.

Meanwhile, Railway Police Sub-Inspector M.V. Prakashan said four postgraduate students from a Mangaluru college have been identified in connection with the recent assault on the teacher. He assured that strict legal action would be taken against the accused.