Thiruvananthapuram: Amid nationwide outrage over incidents of brutal ragging, Kariavattom Government College in Thiruvananthapuram has suspended seven final-year students for allegedly assaulting and torturing a first-year biotechnology student. The action was taken based on the findings of the college’s anti-ragging committee.
The 19-year-old victim, Binz Jose from Vattappara, filed a complaint with both police and college authorities on February 11. Following an internal inquiry, police have booked the seven accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including unlawful assembly, rioting, wrongful restraint, voluntarily causing hurt, and possessing lethal weapons. Additionally, Section 4 of the Kerala Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1998, has also been invoked after the college principal submitted a report to law enforcement.
The accused students have been identified as Alan, Anandan, Velu, Salman, Shravan, Pardhan, and Immanuel.
This case has emerged in the wake of growing public anger over similar incidents, particularly the brutal torture of junior students at Kottayam Government Nursing College. The controversy has also sparked a political row, as students allegedly linked to the CPM’s student wing, SFI, have been implicated in multiple cases. Both Congress and BJP leaders have demanded that the organization be disbanded.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Jose revealed that he had filed his complaint on the day of the assault itself. He further alleged that the accused had threatened him with consequences if he reported the incident.
The case has intensified the debate on ragging in educational institutions, with growing calls for stricter enforcement of anti-ragging laws.
