Gujarat: First-year medical student dies after alleged ragging incident
He was reportedly asked to stand continuously for three hours as part of an 'introduction' ritual when he collapsed
PTC Web Desk: Anil Methania, an 18-year-old first-year student at GMERS Medical College and Hospital in Dharpur Patan, Gujarat, died after reportedly being subjected to a ragging by senior students. The incident has sparked outrage and demands for justice from the victim’s family.
According to reports, third-year students at the college’s hostel allegedly forced Anil and several other first-year students to stand continuously for three hours as part of an “introduction” ritual—a practice commonly associated with ragging in residential institutions. During this prolonged period, Anil collapsed and lost consciousness. He was immediately hospitalised and managed to record a statement with the police, indicating he had been compelled to stand for hours by seniors. Tragically, he succumbed to his condition shortly afterward.
The body has been sent for an autopsy. The victim's family, residents of Gujarat’s Surendranagar district—over 150 km from the college—were informed of Anil’s hospitalisation via a call from the college. “We reached the college and learned that third-year students had ragged him. We want justice,” victims cousin Dharmendra stated.
The dean of GMERS Medical College, Hardik Shah, said, “As soon as we came to know that he had collapsed, we hospitalised him. He informed the police that he was ragged and made to stand for three hours. We have notified the authorities and his family and will ensure strict action is taken.”
Senior police officer KK Pandya confirmed that a complaint had been lodged by Anil’s father and that a case of accidental death had been registered. The autopsy has been completed, and a medical report has been requested to provide further details on the circumstances leading to Anil’s death.