Ahmedabad

Three second-year postgraduate students of Ahmedabad's BJ Medical College have been suspended for periods ranging from six months to one year after being found involved in ragging first-year resident doctors, Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya said on Thursday.

The disciplinary action was taken following findings submitted by the college's anti-ragging committee, the minister said in an official statement.

Pansheriya also said that the state government is closely monitoring another alleged ragging incident at the Government Medical College in Bhavnagar, where six second-year postgraduate students of the Orthopaedics Department are accused of harassing 13 first-year students.

Referring to the Ahmedabad case, the minister stated that the complaint was treated with utmost seriousness and examined thoroughly by the institution's anti-ragging panel. Based on its recommendations, the three students were suspended for varying durations ranging between six months and one year.

He reiterated the Gujarat government's commitment to ensuring a secure, respectful and harassment-free academic atmosphere for students pursuing higher education.

Calling upon students to uphold values of mutual respect and cooperation, Pansheriya urged them to avoid practices such as ragging and contribute to a healthy educational environment.

In connection with the Bhavnagar allegations, the minister said he has directed senior officials to initiate necessary action and conduct a detailed inquiry. Instructions have been issued to the college dean and the anti-ragging committee to submit a comprehensive report at the earliest.

Emphasising the government's zero-tolerance policy towards ragging, Pansheriya said educational institutions must remain places of discipline, safety and ethical conduct.

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"There is no room for inhuman practices like ragging in our educational system," he said, warning that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty in accordance with established regulations.