Karnataka: Kashmiri Student Ragged, Omar Intervenes

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Kashmiri MBBS student allegedly faced ragging in a Karnataka medical college.
Jammu and Kashmir Students Association demands intervention from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Student Hamim was harassed and assaulted by senior students.
Omar Abdullah spoke with Siddaramaiah, assuring action.
College administration claims the incident was exaggerated.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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A Kashmiri MBBS student at Al-Ameen Medical College in Bijapur, Karnataka, was allegedly subjected to ragging and assault by senior students. The victim, Hamim, a second-year student from Anantnag, has prompted the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) to demand immediate intervention from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. This incident highlights concerns about student safety and anti-ragging measures.

Details of the Incident

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According to the JKSA, the incident occurred on Tuesday at 4 pm when Hamim went to watch a cricket match between the 2019 and 2022 batches. A senior student ordered Hamim to leave the area. Although he complied, this was not the first time he had faced harassment. Last year, a senior confronted him in the dining hall for not greeting him during dinner. This pattern of behavior raised concerns about the culture within the college.

Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the JKSA, explained that as the captain of the 2023 batch cricket team, Hamim had found himself in a power struggle with senior students. This added a layer of complexity to the situation.

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“What began as verbal intimidation quickly escalated into outright bullying. A group of seniors humiliated him, ordered him to perform an ‘Al-Ameen salute’, sing songs, and dance for their amusement. They even attempted to force him into their car, implying further harm. When he refused and took out his phone to record the incident, the seniors became more aggressive,” Khuehami said. These actions clearly demonstrate the severity of the ragging.

Later that evening, a group of six to eight individuals allegedly stormed into Hamim’s hostel room. They assaulted him, forced him to record an apology video, and issued threats. “You have four more years here. We are locals—imagine how terrible we can make your life,” they warned. They also allegedly barred him from playing cricket. Such threats and actions can have lasting psychological effects on the victim.

JKSA’s Response

Khuehami condemned the attack, calling it a “deeply disturbing” case of ragging and violence. “This is not just an isolated case of violence—it is a failure of the system meant to protect students. Immediate legal action must be taken against the perpetrators,” he said. The JKSA is pushing for a thorough investigation and accountability.

He added that stronger anti-ragging measures need to be implemented to ensure the safety and dignity of all students, especially non-locals and Kashmiri students, who often face additional discrimination. The call for stronger measures reflects a broader concern about the vulnerability of certain student groups.

The JKSA, meanwhile, sought Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s intervention to ensure strict action against the perpetrators and to safeguard the rights and safety of students, especially non-locals, in educational institutions. “We urge the Chief Minister of Karnataka to personally intervene in this matter, ensure swift justice for the victim, and take strict action against those responsible to prevent such incidents from recurring in educational institutions,” it added. Their appeal underscores the importance of leadership in addressing such incidents.

College Administration’s Perspective

However, sources within the college dismissed the incident, stating it was exaggerated. “Even if asked to maintain decorum, they seek the chief minister’s intervention,” a college official stated. Some sources within the college alleged that the students in question did not follow institutional rules, including the dress code. This differing perspective suggests a possible attempt to downplay the severity of the situation.

Omar Abdullah’s Intervention

Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Minister Omar Abdullah weighed in on the incident.

“I have spoken to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah about this unfortunate incident. He has assured me that the police have filed an FIR and necessary action will be taken. The four accused have been identified,” he said. Abdullah’s involvement highlights the significance of the issue at a higher political level.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember