An FIR has been registered against five students of the ILS Law College in Pune following allegations of ragging a junior student. The police action comes after the college's Anti-Ragging Committee conducted an internal inquiry and found prima facie evidence of misconduct, subsequently reporting the matter to the local authorities.
The incident reportedly involved the physical and mental harassment of a first-year student within the college premises. According to the complaint, the senior students subjected the victim to "demeaning acts" and academic pressure, which led to significant distress.
Key Details of the Case:
- Legal Charges: The police have booked the five senior students under relevant sections of the Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999, as well as sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt.
- Institutional Response: The ILS Law College administration has reportedly suspended the accused students pending the completion of the police investigation. The college stated that it maintains a "zero-tolerance policy" toward ragging and is cooperating fully with the law enforcement agencies.
- UGC Guidelines: The case highlights the strict implementation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which mandate that educational institutions must take immediate and preemptive action when ragging complaints are received.
The local police have recorded the statement of the victim and are currently gathering witness testimonies from other students who were present during the alleged incidents. If convicted under the state’s anti-ragging law, the students could face a prison term of up to two years and automatic dismissal from the educational institution.