Bhavnagar: An incident of ragging has come to light at Bhavnagar Medical College, where three junior students were allegedly subjected to physical and mental harassment by their seniors. The college administration has taken swift action, suspending four seniors involved in the incident.

According to police complaints filed by the victims, the interns, identified as Dr. Man Patel, Dr. Naren Chaudhari, Dr. Balbhadrasinh Gohil, and Dr. Milan Kaklotar, allegedly abducted the junior students in a car, assaulted them, and issued death threats. Two separate police complaints have been registered, naming a total of six doctors.

Details of the Incident

One of the victims, an intern at Sir T. Hospital and resident of the New Boys Hostel, filed a complaint with the Nilambag Police Station. He stated that he was called outside the college circle by his friend and Dr. Balbhadrasinh Gohil. Dr. Gohil allegedly demanded his phone and then forced him and his friend into a car.

The complaint details how Dr. Gohil slapped the victim on the head and drove around the city, hurling abuses and threats. Later, at a location near Atmiya Hotel, Dr. Milan Kaklotar, Dr. Piyush Chauhan, and an unidentified person joined them. The victims were allegedly beaten and abused in the car, with Dr. Naren Chaudhari also participating in the assault.

Dr. Milan Kaklotar reportedly forced one of the victims to admit that he was “Shiva” (a deity), and continued to assault him. Dr. Balbhadrasinh Gohil threatened to take the victims to a farmhouse in Valbhipur and hang them upside down for two days, using obscene language and issuing death threats. The victims were allegedly harassed and assaulted until 1:30-2:00 AM.

College Action

Dr. Sushilkumar Jha, Dean of Bhavnagar Medical College, confirmed that an anti-ragging committee meeting was convened following the incident. As a result, the college has suspended seniors Naren Chaudhari, Milan Kaklotar, Man Patel, and Piyush Chauhan with immediate effect. Their internship completion certificates have been withheld, and all their certificates have been seized.

Police Investigation

The police have registered a case against Balbhadrasinh Gohil, Milan Kaklotar, Piyush Chauhan, Naren Chaudhari, Man Patel, and Abhiraj Parmar under various sections of the IPC, including 140(3), 115(2), 352, 351(2), 296(B), and 3(5). Further investigations are underway.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the medical college community, highlighting the persistent issue of ragging in educational institutions. The college administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students.