JKSA seeks probe into Kashmiri MBBS student’s assault, ragging in Karnataka
Srinagar, Feb 19: J&K Students Association (JKSA) has sought a probe into the incident of assault and ragging of a Kashmiri MBBS student in Karnataka.
In a post on X, Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor, JKSA said that the Kashmiri student was “brutally ragged and assaulted” in Karnataka’s Al-Ameen Medical College.
Khuehami said that “in a deeply disturbing incident”, Hamim, a second-year MBBS student from Anantnag, studying at Al-Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, Karnataka, was subjected to brutal ragging and physical assault by senior students from the 2019 batch.
“The ordeal began on Tuesday around 4 PM when Hamim went to the college playground to watch a cricket match between the 2019 and 2022 batches. While standing near the boundary, a senior ordered him to stay outside. Without argument, he complied and continued watching from a distance. However, this was not the first time he had been confronted by seniors. Last year, during exams, a senior had confronted him for not greeting him in the mess during dinner—an incident that foreshadowed the targeted harassment he would later endure,” the post read.
According to Khuehami as the captain of the 2023 batch cricket team, Hamim found himself at the center of “a power play by senior students. When he attempted to stay near the field, the seniors ordered him to leave, citing the match’s exclusive participation for the 2019-2022 batches. When he refused, insisting that he had every right to be there, he was soon confronted by seniors who demanded an explanation for his ‘defiance.’ 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, asserting that such demands were both inappropriate and against college regulations, the situation became more volatile. Sensing imminent danger, he took out his phone to record the incident, hoping it would deter them. Instead, this act of self-defense enraged them further.”
The JKSA National Convenor said that a group of 6-8 individuals stormed into his hostel room late at night and brutally assaulted him. “They repeatedly beat him, forced him to record a video apologising under duress, and issued chilling threats, ‘You have four more years here. We are locals—imagine how terrible we can make your life.’”
“They issued death threats and warned him that he would not be allowed to play cricket for the next four years. Requesting Karnataka Chief Minister @siddaramaiah Ji'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 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. We demand strict action against the accused students. Those found guilty must be immediately expelled from the university to set a strong precedent against ragging and to ensure the safety of all students, especially non-locals, in educational institutions,” the post read.
