VIMSAR Student Alleges Ragging, Probe Launched Over Harassment Claims

Burla: A second-year student at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) has come forward with allegations of ragging, accusing senior students of subjecting him to verbal abuse and physical harassment. The matter was reported when the student’s mother contacted Dean Professor Pradeep Kumar Mohanty via telephone, prompting the institute to form a committee to investigate the incident.

“A mother of a second-year student informed us that her son was manhandled and verbally abused using filthy language by a few students,” said Professor Mohanty. He added that the committee is actively probing the allegations and that appropriate actions will be taken based on its findings.

At present, only an oral complaint has been lodged, with a formal written complaint yet to be submitted. Neither the alleged victim nor the accused have responded to the inquiry.

This incident adds to past cases at VIMSAR, including a major ragging incident in March 2021 involving 18 MBBS students, which led to fines totaling Rs 54,000, and a separate brawl reported in September 2019. The institute maintains strict anti-ragging policies, imposing measures such as class suspensions, scholarship withholding, debarment from examinations, expulsion, and fines ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh. Additionally, a system is in place to report ragging incidents, with penalties for those who fail to report occurrences.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be provided as the inquiry committee continues its probe into the allegations.