Mangaluru College Students Face Charges in Alleged Ragging Incident
Allegations of Kidnapping and Assault
Mangaluru (Karnataka), Sep 25: Authorities have filed charges against nine senior students from a private college in Pandeshwar, Mangaluru, for allegedly kidnapping, stripping, and violently assaulting two first-year students in what appears to be a ragging incident, according to police reports released on Friday.
The victims, both first-year students enrolled in BBA Port Shipping Logistics at Srinivas University, hail from Kerala.
Ameer Ali lodged a complaint that led to the registration of a case against the accused seniors, identified as Naseed Ameer, Adil M, Ashrak, Anish, Uvais, Rohan Ramesh, Adil V.P, Rehan M.P, and Shinas.
The alleged incident occurred on August 19, between 3:19 p.m. and 6 p.m., when the victims were reportedly walking outside the college. The accused allegedly forced them onto a motorcycle and took them to a private residence.
Once there, the victims were reportedly coerced into removing their clothing and left in their underwear. When they cried out for help, the accused allegedly silenced them and proceeded to assault them.
According to the complaint, Naseed Ameer is accused of striking the victims with a belt, while Adil M used a clothes hanger. Other seniors reportedly joined in the assault using their hands.
The violence escalated when Rehan M.P. allegedly attacked the victims with an iron knuckleduster, targeting Ameer Ali's head and neck. When Alfaz attempted to intervene, Rehan allegedly struck him on the forehead. Although the victims managed to dodge some blows, they sustained minor injuries to their heads and shoulders.
The complaint suggests that the injuries could have been fatal had they not avoided direct hits. Additionally, Ashrak is accused of recording the assault on his mobile device.
After the attack, when the victims requested water, Rohan Ramesh allegedly brought them contaminated water and poured it over them when they refused to drink.
Furthermore, Uvais reportedly threatened the victims with death, warning them that they would be harmed if they reported the incident to the police.
The two students were allegedly held captive and subjected to physical abuse until approximately 6 p.m.
Following the incident, Naseed Ameer is said to have continued to intimidate the victims on campus, instructing them to attend classes clean-shaven and without shoes.
Initially, the victims hesitated to report the incident due to fear of retaliation. They eventually informed their families and approached the police on September 23.
Mangaluru South police have initiated a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Karnataka Education Act, 1983, and are currently investigating the matter further.