Bhagalpur: Amid the controversy over a recent ragging incident at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH) involving an entire batch of 120 MBBS students from the 2023 session, a fresh incident of alleged ragging has emerged at Bhagalpur College of Engineering (BCE). The altercation, involving first-year and second-year BE-BTech students, snowballed late Monday evening into violent clashes, leaving several students injured and college property damaged.
According to BCE sources, the incident began as an "ego clash" between juniors and seniors during a power outage. "Hooting from hostel number 6 was perceived as provocation by the seniors in hostel number 7, leading to tensions and eventually a physical clash," said a faculty member requesting anonymity. The situation worsened when groups supporting both sides joined in, resulting in injuries and damage, including to the principal's vehicle.
One injured student, Sourav Kumar, was admitted to JLNMCH while others with minor injuries received first aid at sadar hospital. "When the principal intervened to defuse the situation, the students caused damage to college infrastructure," the source added.
Police forces, led by city SP K Ramdass, DSPs and SHOs from multiple police stations brought the situation under control by 11pm after over an hour of efforts. "An investigation is underway and action will be taken against those found guilty," Ramdass said.
Despite repeated attempts, BCE principal O P Roy was unavailable for comment. However, BCE authorities invoked a Supreme Court judgment, which categorically prohibits all forms of ragging, including psychological harm or activities causing fear or humiliation to juniors.
Initially, the college was declared closed sine die, but it is set to reopen on Wednesday following directives from the department of science and technology.