11 JNTU Kakinada students suspended for ragging first-year female student

Kakinada: With the start of the new academic year, many ragging incidents are being reported in colleges. As many as 11 students from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) in Kakinada were suspended for ragging a first-year girl student.

The student from the petrochemical department was ragged in the hostel in the name of interaction. The incident came to light after her friend complained to the UGC anti-ragging cell.

Speaking to the media, JNTU Kakinada vice-chancellor G.V.R. Prasada Raju said, "Nine third-year students from the petroleum department and two second-year students were sent out of the hostel for two months soon after we received the complaint. They are suspended from classes for two weeks."

He said the college is against ragging and strict action will be taken against those indulging in such activities. "We advise students to focus on education and avoid interacting with juniors," the V-C added.

Previous incidents

A similar incident had happened in JNTU Anantapur in February and 18 students were suspended for forcing juniors to strip. The Anantapur police registered a suo-moto case and started a probe.

In another incident that happened in March, nine students of NIT in West Godavari were suspended for forcing a second-year student to stay in their hostel room for hours. The student was hit with chappals and flasks. The incident came to light after the student lodged a police complaint. A case was booked against the nine students.