Father withdraws ragging complaint,undeterred varsity continues probe

On Wednesday,University authorities sprang into action by suspending a senior student till further orders after the father of a first year student of the University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology (UICET) sent a complaint through an e-mail to the UICET department head alleging that his son was being harassed by seniors. The complainant,however,reportedly withdrew his complaint today. Despite the withdrawal,University authorities say the probe will continue.

“The withdrawal of the complaint by the student’s father was also communicated to me by the authorities,but in no way this will affect the proceedings of the sub committee constituted to probe the matter. The University wants to send a strong message for both the complainant and the accused that such issues are no jokes. It should be a lesson for others before they indulge in such activities,” said the Dean University Instructions Prof B S Brar.

While talking to Newsline,the student said,“I cannot say anything right now. I am waiting for the University to come up with its decision in the case tomorrow.” The sub committee was constituted by the DUI in the presence of University’s anti-ragging squad on Wednesday to probe the case of ragging against senior and a resident of boys hostel number 1. The accused was suspended from the Department on Wednesday and his hostel room was immediately locked by the authorities.

The committee was directed by the anti-ragging squad of the University to submit its report on Thursday. “The first and hopefully the last meeting will be held on Friday. The gravity of the complaint,its withdrawal and other things would be required to be ascertained in the meeting. If required,statements of those involved will also be recorded,” revealed one of the sub-committee members.

The incident:

First complaint from the father

An emergency meeting was called in the Chairperson’s office of UICET department,Prof R K Chhabra on September 14 when the former chairperson of the department Prof V K Rattan on his official email id received a complaint from the father of a first year student of BEMBA in Chemical Engineering. The complaint mentioned-’it pains me to point out that even after more than a month of my son’s joining the classes,he still faces harassment of various kinds which may not be perhaps of liking to the esteemed old and reputed institution of yours. As a result,he detests from going to classes or stay in hostel. I would therefore request you to kindly set up the vigil of the anti-ragging cell in your university and counsel the concerned including the senior students to desist from such criminal activities so as to avoid harassment of all first year students,like my son.’

Hand written complaint by son

On the same day,September 14,the student also submitted his complaint-’At about 12 noon on September 12,I was in my hostel room when I was taken to room number 1/12 in hostel 1. I was told to accompany the seniors to the mess and then to the Department. But I ran away as soon as I got the opportunity. I have not been to the hostel and Department since. I humbly request the department to kindly issue a warning to the seniors involved so that they may detest from doing such acts again.’