Kanpur Student Files FIR Against Eight Seniors for Alleged Ragging and Assault

An FIR has been filed against eight final-year engineering students from Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU) for allegedly assaulting their juniors. The incident occurred when the juniors refused to comply with demands to remove their clothes. Gaurav Chauhan, a third-year BTech Electronics student, lodged the complaint at Nawabganj police station under various sections, including attempt to murder and ragging charges.

The accused students named in the FIR are Aman Singh, Aman Kushwaha, Nitin Singh, Suraj Gondak, Ankit Gupta, Abhishek Upadhyay, Akanksh Atrey, and Anup Jaiswal. All are in their fourth year. Chauhan alleged that his classmate Yashvisher Singh received a call from seniors inviting them to Abdul Kalam Hostel under the pretext of a birthday party, which was actually a code for ragging.

Allegations of Ragging and Assault

The situation intensified when the seniors demanded that the juniors undress. Despite explaining that they had already endured ragging in their first year, the juniors' refusal led to violence. According to the FIR, the seniors attacked them with sticks, belts, and iron rods. This prompted Chauhan to file the complaint against them.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Central Dinesh Tripathi stated that instructions have been given to summon the accused students for questioning. The investigation aims to clarify the events and determine if it was indeed a case of ragging. The police are working to gather more evidence and testimonies related to the incident.

University's Response and Investigation

The HBTU administration has initiated its own inquiry into the matter. An official mentioned that while ragging typically involves first-year students as victims, this case is unusual as a third-year student filed the complaint against final-year students. The university is committed to uncovering the truth behind these allegations.

The authorities are taking these accusations seriously and are determined to ensure justice is served. The investigation will focus on understanding whether this was an isolated incident or part of a larger pattern of behaviour within the institution.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about ragging in educational institutions. It underscores the need for strict measures and awareness campaigns to prevent such occurrences in future. The outcome of this investigation will be closely watched by both students and faculty at HBTU.