Ragging Tragedy: MBBS Student Made to Stand for Hours, Dies

A first-year medical student from GMERS Medical College and Hospital in Dharpur Patan, Gujarat, tragically passed away, allegedly due to ragging by senior students. The deceased, Anil Methania, was among the new batch of students enrolled this year. Reports claim that third-year students forced several freshers, including Anil, to stand continuously for three hours as part of an “introduction” ritual—a term often associated with ragging activities on residential campuses.

Following the ordeal, 18-year-old Anil collapsed and lost consciousness. He was rushed to a hospital, where he reportedly informed the police that he had been made to stand for hours. Unfortunately, he succumbed shortly afterward. His body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Speaking to reporters, Anil’s cousin Dharmendra revealed that the family resides in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district, over 150 km away from the college. “The college called us yesterday to inform us that Anil had collapsed and was hospitalised. When we arrived, we learned about the ragging. We demand justice,” he said.

The dean of the medical college, Hardik Shah, confirmed the incident. “As soon as we learned about his collapse, we hospitalised him. He told the police he was ragged and made to stand for three hours. The authorities have been informed, and we will ensure strict action is taken,” Shah said.

Senior police official KK Pandya stated that a case of accidental death has been filed based on the father’s complaint. “The autopsy has been completed, and we are awaiting the medical report for further investigation. The ragging allegations are also being thoroughly examined,” he said.

Meanwhile, news agency PTI reported that 15 senior students have been named in the FIR related to the incident. The University Grants Commission (UGC), which has outlawed ragging in all forms, mandates strict disciplinary action against those involved in such acts.