A case has been registered against four doctors and several senior students of Shri Ram Murti Smarak (SRMS) Institute of Medical Sciences in Bareilly after a first-year MD student allegedly attempted suicide on May 2, following months of alleged ragging and mental harassment. The college had not issued an official statement till the time of filing this report. When contacted, Amit Awasthi, spokesperson of the college, declined to comment.
Ashu Parashar, in his late 20s, suffered serious injuries and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital, a senior police officer said. His father, Sudhir, lodged a complaint at Bhojipura police station, alleging that the harassment began soon after his son enrolled in the course, with seniors using abusive language, making humiliating remarks and assigning duties for nearly 40 hours without rest. He also alleged that Ashu was forced to run personal errands, called in on holidays, denied meal breaks, and not allowed to change shoes despite foot injuries.
Sudhir added that Ashu had approached the department head and college authorities, but no action was taken, leaving him mentally distressed. When he regained consciousness, he narrated the ordeal to his family.
Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya told TOI, “When Sudhir approached the police, the matter was referred to the district magistrate and an investigating team comprising the additional district magistrate and additional SP recommended the registration of an FIR.” On Friday evening, an FIR was filed against the college administration, doctors Ritesh Goyal, Kushagra Sharma, Manas Khandelwal and Latika, along with several senior students under sections 191 (rioting), 127 (wrongful confinement), 296 (obscene acts and songs), 352 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 351 (criminal intimidation) of BNS. Police said an investigation is underway.
Background of the Incident
The incident highlights the persistent issue of ragging in medical institutions. Ashu Parashar, a first-year MD student, had been subjected to continuous harassment by seniors and even some faculty members. His father’s complaint details a pattern of abuse that began shortly after enrollment.
Allegations of Harassment
According to the complaint, seniors used abusive language, made humiliating remarks, and assigned duties for extended periods without rest. Ashu was also forced to run personal errands, called in on holidays, denied meal breaks, and not allowed to change shoes despite foot injuries.
Lack of Institutional Response
Despite approaching the department head and college authorities, no action was taken, leaving Ashu mentally distressed. This lack of response may have contributed to his drastic action.
Legal Action Taken
The FIR was filed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) including rioting, wrongful confinement, obscene acts, intentional insult, and criminal intimidation. The investigation is ongoing.
Police Statement
Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya confirmed that the matter was referred to the district magistrate after the father approached police. An investigating team recommended the FIR, which was filed on Friday evening.
Current Status
Ashu Parashar is undergoing treatment at a private hospital. The college has not issued an official statement, and its spokesperson declined to comment.
