Mangaluru: Police must take strict action to curb ragging, says MLA Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 5, 2026: Despite ragging being completely banned in educational institutions, such incidents continue to recur, reflecting a failure of the policing system, said Mangaluru North MLA Dr. Y. Bharath Shetty.

He noted that the Central Government’s anti-ragging laws and regulations are already in force, yet cases continue to be reported from educational institutions across the state. Preventing such incidents is the responsibility of both the police department and the government, he said.

Dr. Shetty pointed out that in some institutions, senior students go beyond merely asking juniors their names or hometowns and engage in inappropriate behaviour, humiliation, and mental harassment. Such incidents can have a serious psychological impact on young and sensitive students, he warned.

He stressed that every college must have an active Anti-Ragging Committee. First-year students should be made aware of their rights at the beginning of the academic year and informed about whom to contact if they face any form of harassment. The police, college administrations, and counsellors should jointly conduct effective anti-ragging awareness programmes, he said.

Dr. Shetty also observed that ragging often takes place outside college campuses, in hostels, or at private locations, calling it a failure of law and order. He urged the police to maintain closer surveillance over such places and proactively engage with students to prevent such incidents.

Although anti-ragging helplines are available, many students hesitate to file complaints due to fear, he said. Dr. Shetty emphasized the need to create a safe and secure environment where students can pursue their education without anxiety or intimidation.