[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/news/city/allahabad/Ragging-casts-its-shadow-over-AU/articleshow/4891255.cms] Rajiv Mani, TNN 13 August 2009, 10:32pm IST
ALLAHABAD: Even as the dust from these ragging incidents is yet to settle down, fresh cases of ragging in the garb of introduction of freshers have been reported from the hostels of Allahabad University. But, the varsity officials are finding it tough to take any action since in the absence of any written complaint about such incidents. According to hostel sources, recently senior inmates of Shatabdi Boys' hostel, told the freshers to switch off their mobiles and assemble in a room around midnight. The freshers were told to get a `zero cut' hair style and not to wear any T-shirt or jeans. Instead, they were to attend classes only in formal dresses and leather shoes. Several other instructions on respecting the seniors and day to day behaviour, both on the campus and in the hostel, too were given. However, four new students were petrified by the incident and left for their homes. They are now not ready to return to the hostel, said sources. In a similar incident, around dozen freshers of Kalpana Chawla girls' hostel were asked to line up in the hostel lawn. These girls, most of whom were from different professional courses, were then asked to give their introduction based on a set format of eight questions. But, in both the cases no fresher has filed a complaint with the varsity officials. "Though we are taking all the necessary precautions, it is also the responsibility of juniors to apprise us if any ragging takes place, especially in hostels,'' said chief proctor Prof Jata Shankar. If the victims fail to inform the authorities, then they are also liable for punishment, he added. "We are aware that such cases do occur in hostels, especially at times when freshers are new to the campus. But, juniors have to understand that they too have to come forward and help the authorities get into the details after which strict action will certainly be taken against the guilty,'' said Prof R K Singh, dean student welfare. Meanwhile, the superintendent of Shatabdi Boys' hostel, Dr J A Ansari, talking to TOI said that he is investigating the matter and added that if any hostler would be found guilty, he/she would be rusticated from the hostel. Besides, the varsity would also impose a heavy fine on them. "I also appeal to newcomers to inform me personally about any ragging incident and help me find the culprits who are brining bad name to AU,'' he said. However, he added that, these are tender minds and need to be treated with care. -- Posted By Ragging News to Ragging News From Indian Colleges at 8/14/2009 10:42:00 PM
