JAIPUR: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed Government Medical College in Banswara, Rajasthan, to submit a detailed response within 24 hours over serious allegations of ragging and sexual harassment involving first-year MBBS students. Following the complaint, the college administration suspended 10 senior students on Thursday.
Banswara Medical College Principal Dr Yogesh Kacha confirmed the disciplinary action.
"Ten students against whom the complaint was given have been suspended on November 12," he said. He added that the anti-ragging committee was investigating the allegations, after which further action could be taken, including extending the suspension or filing an FIR if required.
First-year students from the 2026-27 batch lodged the complaint (number RJ_0307) with the NMC's Anti-Ragging Cell. According to the complainants, senior students summoned juniors to a private venue at around 1 am after the White Coat Ceremony on October 30.
The seniors allegedly forced the juniors to change clothes in front of others, simulate sexual acts, adopt objectionable postures and dance to item songs. One student was reportedly unable to attend classes the following day.
The complaint also stated that senior students pressured juniors to attend evening meetings and follow a derogatory format while introducing themselves.
On November 11, the NMC's Anti-Ragging Cell issued a notice to the college dean and principal, seeking a point-by-point response and an action-taken report within 24 hours.
The Commission asked the college to submit signed minutes of meetings held by its Anti-Ragging Committee and Squad, confidential statements from victims and witnesses, details of the accused students, WhatsApp conversations and CCTV footage.
It also sought information on whether a police FIR had been registered and whether medical and counselling support had been arranged for the affected students. The NMC warned that a mere claim that no ragging had taken place, without supporting evidence, would not be accepted.
Principal Kacha said further information would be shared after the investigation.
United Doctors Front (UDF) national president Dr Lakshya Mittal raised the matter on X, urging the Rajasthan chief secretary to protect the complainants and take strict action against those responsible.
Earlier this month, students reported cases of ragging and mental harassment at 12 medical colleges across Rajasthan. The UDF subsequently sought intervention from Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the Director General of Police and the Directorate of Medical Education.
In a separate case at Dr Sampurnanand Medical College in Jodhpur, authorities suspended 19 students after juniors alleged that seniors had forced them to address them as "boss". Five students, including a postgraduate resident doctor, were suspended for three months, while 14 others were suspended for one month. They were barred from academic activities, clinical postings, hostels and libraries.
(With inputs from media reports)