Kurnool: Allegations of ragging have once again surfaced at the Kurnool Medical College (KMC), raising concerns among students, parents and officials of the institution. Some first-year MBBS students alleged that seniors have started collecting money from them in the name of Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations. Seniors are harassing them in their hostel rooms if they do not yield to their demands. This has created panic among some students. Following complaints by some students, the National Medical Commission (NMC) asked the college for a full report. AP Health minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav has gone on to speak directly to the college principal, ordering that strict action be taken if the complaints are true.
The minister made it clear that ragging will not be tolerated in any educational institution. Amid this, KMC principal Dr. K. Chitti Narasamma said their internal inquiry has not revealed any evidence of ragging. In an official press release, she explained that the Anti-Ragging Committee of the college spoke to students individually and has collected written statements from them. No student has confirmed that ragging had taken place, she maintained. On the complaint of money being collected, the principal said it is for the annual hostel festival. She said if any student is being harassed or troubled, the college will take the necessary action. Seeking contributions for regular student celebrations cannot be called “ragging,” she maintained. In the interim, student groups and some alumni have asked the college to make sure that participation in all cultural events is voluntary and friendly. They underlined that there should be no pressure on juniors to take part or contribute money for celebrations
