Medical student in Gujarat dies following 3-hour ragging session

Gujarat (The Uttam Hindu): A first-year student at Dharpur Medical College in Gujarat, Anil Methaniya, tragically died after allegedly being subjected to a ragging session by senior students. Methaniya collapsed late Sunday night and was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. The incident occurred during an introductory session for first-year students, in which Methaniya and others were reportedly made to stand for over three hours. Methaniya’s family has accused the senior students of ragging, claiming the ordeal led to his death. The family has demanded strict action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Hardik Shah, the Dean of Dharpur Medical College, confirmed that Methaniya collapsed and was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Shah also stated that students confirmed the introductory session had been taking place at the time of the incident. The college administration has informed both the family and the police, and the cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem report. Deputy SP KK Pandya from Siddhpur Police stated that a case of accidental death under Section 174 of the Indian Penal Code had been registered. Police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

The police have filed charges against 15 second-year MBBS students, who are accused of making several juniors, including Methaniya, stand for more than three hours in a hostel room while subjecting them to "mental and physical torture," according to the First Information Report (FIR). The accused students have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among other charges.

In response, the college has suspended the accused students from both hostel and academic activities until further notice. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Methaniya’s tragic death.