Kannur: Following complaints against the dental college at Anjarakandy in Kannur another serious allegations have surfaced against Century Dental College at Poinachi in Kasaragod, which functions under the same management. A former student has revealed that several students were forced to drop out midway, unable to endure extreme ragging and harassment by faculty.

According to her, ragging is conducted openly in the college under the guise of ‘Freshers Day.’ Junior students are allegedly humiliated by smearing black paint on their faces, making them wear bizarre clothes, and forcing them to perform on stage, all in front of staff and other students. Even dress codes for first-year students are reportedly dictated by seniors. She also claimed she was ragged at a railway station for wearing jeans while returning from home.

The former student further alleged that teachers and staff behave in an extremely abusive manner, including physically grabbing students by the collar and verbally abusing them using obscene language. There have even been instances of students being beaten for not standing up when teachers enter. Apart from mental harassment, teachers are also accused of using threats of failing students in practical exams as a means to maintain control.

Severe gender discrimination in the hostel and campus is another major issue, she said. While male students face no restrictions on food, female students reportedly have limits in the mess. In addition, girls’ hostels often do not have electricity and water supply, with water available only in the morning and night. Such practices, she alleged, are enforced under the management’s influence.

The student also pointed to serious irregularities in the conduct of exams, claiming that university norms are blatantly violated. External examiners are allegedly influenced with money, CCTV cameras in exam halls are turned off, and answer sheets are leaked. A network reportedly operates within the college to distribute answer copies and ensure students pass, said the student to Mathrubhumi News.

There are also allegations regarding viva examinations. A pharmacology teacher from Kozhikode Medical College has been accused of asking sexually suggestive questions to female students during viva exams, passing them only if they engaged in such conversations rather than answering subject-related questions.

Due to mental and physical harassment, many students are said to be experiencing psychological distress, with several seeking help from psychologists and counsellors.

Despite the severity of these allegations, no action has reportedly been taken by the Kerala University of Health Sciences or other authorities, leading to accusations of money and political influence. Critics allege that officials responsible for annual inspections are complicit in enabling such practices.