Three senior students have been arrested after a brutal ragging episode at a Bengaluru‑Rural college forced first‑year BBA and BCA students to bring alcohol and cigarettes, stand for hours holding their books, and endure physical assault with iron rods, stones and wooden sticks. The incident, which has sparked outrage across the city, has led to a formal complaint against 23 seniors and a police case under ragging, attempted murder and criminal intimidation charges.
Background/Context
Ragging, the practice of hazing new students, has long plagued Indian campuses. In 2015, the Supreme Court declared ragging a punishable offence under the Prevention of Ragging Act, 2009, and mandated strict penalties for offenders. Yet, despite legal deterrents, incidents continue to surface, especially in Karnataka where enforcement has been uneven. The Bengaluru‑Rural district, home to several private and public institutions, has seen a rise in reported cases over the past year, with 18 ragging incidents logged in 2025 alone.
“We are witnessing a disturbing trend where senior students feel empowered to abuse their authority,” says Dr. R. K. Srinivasan, a professor of Sociology at the University of Mysore. “The lack of stringent monitoring and the culture of silence around ragging allow such behaviour to persist.”
The college in Devanahalli, a suburb of Bengaluru, is a 200‑seat private institution offering BBA and BCA programmes. According to the college’s annual report, it has a student body of 1,200, with seniors constituting roughly 30% of the cohort. The recent incident has therefore affected a significant portion of the student community.
Key Developments
Police records indicate that the ragging began on 18 January, when a group of senior students allegedly forced first‑year students to procure alcohol and cigarettes from local vendors. The seniors then made the juniors stand in a line for several hours, holding their books as a form of punishment. The situation escalated when the seniors assaulted the juniors with iron rods, stones, and wooden sticks, and stole a gold chain from one of the victims.
When the college’s administrative head, Midun Madhavan, attempted to investigate, he was reportedly attacked by the same group of seniors. “I was physically assaulted and threatened with a metal rod,” Madhavan told reporters. “I had to leave the campus to seek medical help.”
Following the complaint lodged by the juniors, the Devanahalli Police Station registered a case under the Prevention of Ragging Act and the Indian Penal Code. Three students—Bilal, Zhiril, and Mishal—were arrested on 20 January. The police are currently searching for the remaining 20 accused students, who are believed to have fled the campus premises.
- Arrests: 3 seniors detained (Bilal, Zhiril, Mishal)
- Charges: Ragging, attempted murder, criminal intimidation
- Police action: Case registered at Devanahalli Police Station; ongoing search for 20 accused
- Victim impact: Physical injuries, psychological trauma, loss of personal property
In a statement, the police assured that “all necessary steps will be taken to bring the accused to justice and to ensure the safety of students on campus.”
Impact Analysis
The incident has sent shockwaves through the student community, raising concerns about campus safety and the effectiveness of anti‑ragging measures. According to a survey conducted by the Karnataka Student Union in December 2025, 68% of students reported feeling unsafe on campus, citing ragging as the primary reason.
For parents, the incident underscores the need for vigilance. “We are now more cautious about the institutions we send our children to,” says Meera Patel, mother of a BBA student. “We want assurance that the school has robust anti‑ragging policies and that they are enforced.”
From an institutional perspective, the college faces potential reputational damage and possible legal scrutiny. The Karnataka State Education Department has announced that it will conduct an audit of all private colleges in the district to assess compliance with ragging prevention protocols.
Financially, the college may face penalties under the Prevention of Ragging Act, which imposes fines ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹5,00,000 on institutions that fail to prevent ragging. Additionally, the college could be required to compensate victims for medical expenses and property loss.
Expert Insights/Tips
Legal experts advise students to be proactive in reporting ragging. “Under the Prevention of Ragging Act, students have the right to file a complaint with the campus authorities or the police without fear of retaliation,” says Advocate N. K. S. Rao. “It is crucial to document incidents—photos, videos, and witness statements—to strengthen the case.”
Students are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the college’s anti‑ragging policy. Many institutions now publish a “Student Code of Conduct” that outlines the consequences of ragging. If a student feels that the policy is not being enforced, they should approach the student grievance cell or the ombudsman.
For parents, the following steps can help safeguard their children:
- Verify that the college has a signed anti‑ragging agreement with the state government.
- Encourage your child to join student clubs and support groups that promote a safe campus culture.
- Maintain open communication with the college administration and request regular updates on safety measures.
- Consider enrolling your child in a campus safety workshop, if offered.
Psychological support is also vital. “Victims of ragging often suffer from anxiety, depression, and post‑traumatic stress,” notes Dr. S. V. Kumar, a clinical psychologist. “Counselling services should be made readily available on campus.”
Looking Ahead
The Karnataka government has announced a new initiative, “Safe Campus Karnataka,” aimed at strengthening anti‑ragging enforcement. The program will include:
- Mandatory training for faculty and staff on identifying and reporting ragging.
- Installation of CCTV cameras in dormitories and common areas.
- Annual audits of colleges by the State Education Department.
- Public awareness campaigns targeting students and parents.
Meanwhile, the college in Devanahalli has pledged to overhaul its disciplinary system. “We will introduce a zero‑tolerance policy and establish a dedicated anti‑ragging cell,” says the college’s principal, Dr. V. K. Sharma. “We are also partnering with local NGOs to provide counselling and legal aid to victims.”
For students, the incident serves as a stark reminder that vigilance and collective action are essential. “If we all speak up and hold each other accountable, we can create a campus environment where respect and safety prevail,” says senior student Aditi Rao, who was one of the victims.
As the investigation continues, the legal proceedings will likely set a precedent for how ragging cases are handled in Karnataka. The outcome could influence policy reforms, enforcement mechanisms, and the overall culture of higher education institutions across the state.
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