Kerala Nursing Council Expels Five Students Over Shocking Ragging Incident

Kottayam/Thiruvananthapuram: In a decisive move, the Kerala Nurses and Midwives Council (KNMC) has permanently expelled five students linked to the harrowing ragging incident at the Government Nursing College in Kottayam. The council’s decision, announced on Saturday, bars the accused from continuing their academic journey or joining the nursing profession.

Following an urgent meeting, the KNMC concluded that the individuals involved demonstrated conduct entirely incompatible with the compassionate and humane qualities required in nursing. “Their actions reflect extreme cruelty, making them unfit to practice in a profession built on care and empathy,” said council member Usha Devi.

Labeling the incident as “an extremely cruel act,” Devi emphasized that such behavior is entirely unacceptable in any setting—especially within healthcare. The council’s decision will be formally communicated to the relevant authorities, including the government and college administration, through the District Health Services (DHS).

This strong action follows an earlier assurance from Kerala’s Health Minister that strict consequences would be imposed on those responsible for the disturbing events.

Accountability Extends to College Administration

In addition to the expulsions, the investigation has prompted suspensions within the college’s administration. Principal Sulekha A T and Assistant Professor Ajeesh P Mani, who also served as the assistant warden-in-charge of the hostel, were suspended for allegedly failing to prevent or adequately respond to the incident. The hostel’s housekeeper-cum-security staff has also been dismissed.

The investigation, led by the Director of Medical Education under the guidance of Health Minister of Kerala, Veena George, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders across party lines, all demanding swift and severe action against those involved.

Political Leaders Demand Justice

Kerala Devaswom and Ports Minister V N Vasavan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that all accused face legal consequences. “Everyone named in the victim’s statement has been arrested. If more individuals are found responsible, they too will face justice,” Vasavan said.

Addressing allegations of political involvement, Vasavan dismissed claims that members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the CPI(M), were connected to the incident. “The SFI has clearly stated its support for strict action. If they had been present on campus, such an incident wouldn’t have occurred,” he added.

In contrast, General Education Minister V Sivankutty asserted that if any SFI members were involved, they should be expelled from the organization.

The opposition Congress party has voiced dissatisfaction with the police investigation, alleging leniency toward the accused. Senior Congress leader Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan accused the police of shielding someone and called for a court-monitored investigation.

Protests Intensify as Disturbing Evidence Surfaces

The outrage spilled onto the streets on Saturday, with BJP and AIYF activists staging protests outside the Government Nursing College in Kottayam. As part of the ongoing investigation, police recovered shocking evidence from the boys’ hostel, including a compass, dumbbells, and granite blocks—allegedly used during the torture sessions.

Disturbing footage of the incident, obtained by the Gandhinagar police, shows the victim tied to a cot, being repeatedly stabbed with a compass. The visuals reveal other horrifying acts of abuse, including the victim being stripped half-naked, having dumbbells placed on his private parts, and being force-fed facial cream while restrained.

Arrests Made, Investigation Ongoing

Five third-year students—Samuel Johnson (20), Jeeva NS (19), Rahul Raj KP (22), Rijiljith C (21), and Vivek NV (21)—have been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities took action after reports emerged that ragging had been occurring for nearly three months at the state-run institution, which operates under the Government Medical College Kottayam.

The accused are currently held in district jail following a court order. The investigation continues as authorities and the public demand justice for the victim and accountability for those who failed to prevent this horrifying episode.

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