Gujarat Ragging Case: Who Was Anil Methaniya? Dreams and Aspirations Cut Short by Tragic Ragging Incident - Read Now

The tragic death of 18-year-old Anil Methaniya, a first-year MBBS student at GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Dharpur, Patan, has sent shock waves throughout the nation as the national conversation about ragging in educational institutions once again leaps into the forefront. Friends and family describe the young student as bright and ambitious with dreams to become a medical doctor and aid his community in their hour of need. However, his dreams were tragically cut short on the night of November 18, 2024 when he was reportedly subjected to a fatal ragging session.

A Bright Young Dreamer with Big Aspirations

He was the pride of his family. Born in a modest household, the admission of Anil Methaniya into GMERS Medical College presented a moment of great joy and pride for his parents. As known for his determination and academic excellence, Methaniya had always cherished a dream to become a doctor to provide easier access to better health-care in his village.

For his family, friends, and fellow classmates, Methaniya was more than just a student; he was a role model who inspired others by his diligent efforts. His untimely death has shattered an irreparable void in their lives and has ignited wildfires across the country.

The Night of Calamity

According to FIR, Methaniya and 10 more freshmen students were compelled by 15 students of the second year to go to a room in one of the hostels on November 18 for an "introduction session," which soon turned into a session of mental and physical harassment:

• The freshmen were compelled to stand for more than three hours.
• They were forced to sing, dance, and use obscene words.
• They could not be sent out of that room despite the visibly growing discomfort.

Methaniya, unable to endure the ordeal, fainted and collapsed. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared brought dead.

The Legal Fallout

The 15 accused students were arrested and charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for:

• Culpable Homicide Not Amounting to Murder
• Wrongful Confinement
• Unlawful Assembly
• Using Obscene Words

The police also confirmed suspension of the accused from academic and hostel activities. The college administration, led by Dean Dr. Hardik Shah, has pledged full cooperation with the investigation.

Family in Grief and Demand Justice

Methaniya's parents, who have lost their only son, are demanding stern action against the accused. "We sent him to study and build a future, but he returned to us lifeless," said his father fighting back tears. His family, it is hoped, will not lose their boy in vain and that this incident will prove a turning point in effectively checking this menace of ragging.

Ragging in Educational Institutions: An Ongoing Problem

Even after strict anti-ragging laws are coming into place in India, the incident in the above report is a statement to the holes in proper implementation and supervision. The UGC guidelines mention for the institutions concerned to form an anti-ragging committee for running awareness programmes, make a reporting system anonymous, and yet ragging incidents keep floating to surface, very often with fatal consequences.

Demand for Reforms

The widespread outrage and calls for systemic reform following Methaniya's death were made by students, activists, and parents in their demands for:

1. Enforcement of Anti-Ragging Laws: Regular hostel checks and inspections.
2. Counseling and Sensitization Programs: Educating students regarding the harmful effects of ragging.
3. Anonymous Reporting Systems: Annuonymous reporting with less chance of rape.
4. Zero Tolerance Policies: Instant suspension and legal action against culprits.

Also Read: 15 MBBS Students Arrested for First-Year Student’s Death Due to Ragging in Gujarat - Read Now