Berhampur University in Odisha has taken decisive action against 17 post-graduate students for allegedly ragging their juniors, officials reported on Sunday.

According to Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali Dash, four of the accused students were asked to vacate their hostel rooms, while the remaining 13 were fined ₹1,000 each. The disciplinary measures came after the university’s anti-ragging committee conducted a thorough investigation into the incident, which took place on September 21.

In a complaint submitted to the University Grants Commission (UGC), several first-year post-graduate students alleged that their seniors had entered their hostel room around 11 p.m. on the day of the incident. The seniors reportedly interrogated them under the guise of “introductions” and continued asking questions, depriving them of sleep. The complaint, however, did not specify the names of the senior students involved.

Upon receiving the complaint forwarded by the UGC, the university promptly launched an inquiry. “The UGC instructed us to investigate the matter and provide an action-taken report, which we have already submitted,” said Vice-Chancellor Dash. “We are committed to maintaining a ragging-free campus and have taken appropriate action to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.”

Dash also emphasized the university’s efforts to educate students about the dangers and legal consequences of ragging. “We have been continuously sensitizing our students to the serious implications of ragging. In addition to this, we have held discussions with students, reminding them of the strict zero-tolerance policy we enforce on campus,” she stated.

The university plans to continue raising awareness about ragging through workshops, seminars, and posters across campus. Dash reiterated the administration’s commitment to student safety and well-being, assuring that further preventive measures would be taken if necessary.

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