KOPPAL: In a horrific case of ragging, 15 students suffered injuries after their seniors tortured them, beat them up, made them do homework, projects, clean floors and more, for over 20 days. The incident took place at Morarji Desai Residential School for Minorities located in Hemagudda village of Gangavati taluk in Koppal district.
Three students who suffered injuries are being treated at a government hospital in Koppal. Doctors say the students have injuries on their private parts and are in a state of shock.
As per the statement of the victims, a group of eight SSLC students ragged the students from Classes 8 and 9.
The brutal incident came to light after a few students informed their parents on Monday. Senior officials of the Koppal district administration rushed to the hostel and took statements of the students. Some students alleged that the hostel warden was alerted about the brutality being suffered by some of the junior students, but the pleas were ignored.
The district administration has asked the Social Welfare Department to submit a report in this regard. The Koppal police said that so far, no case has been reported or lodged by any of the parents. “We have spoken to the victims and have also inquired about the students who are accused of ragging. Some parents wanted to book a case against the officials for the incident. However, no case has been filed so far. Senior police officials have sought a report about the incident which will be submitted soon,” said a police officer from Gangavati.
The parents of the victims are angry with the management. Some parents took their wards back home soon after the incident.
“The victims have named all the eight SSLC students who were involved in ragging. Despite knowing it’s a crime, the students have committed it. The parents of the accused students are requesting us not to file any complaints. But how can we be quiet after seeing our wards suffer? We are planning to file a case against the hostel administration for the lapse. We also need written statements from the accused students that they will let the junior students concentrate on their studies and not be ragged,” said a parent of one of the victims.
A total of 246 students study at the school, including those from various districts of Kalyana Karnataka. Senior police officers visited the school premises for investigation.