The National law Institute University (NlIU) in Bhopal has ordered a probe in the incident of senior students allegedly forcing freshers to watch porn clips and indulge in vulgar activities.
Raj Kachroo, the founder of University Grants Commission-recognised national anti-ragging helpline (NARH), said, “The attitude of the NlIU administration is irresponsible and unreasonable. The (institute’s) director told me that students watch porn, so what if they are forced to.”
He was seeking a reply after the anti-ragging helpline received a complaint. In two weeks, the NARH got three separate complaints against at least 14 seniors.
The administration refused comments and director SS Singh could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.
Kachroo further said, “When we forwarded two other complaints in which the charges became more serious, they asked us to reveal the names of complainants. They refused to take action on anonymous complaints. How can they do soIJ I am distressed by his attitude.”
The complainants are hardly 17 or 18 years old and they are scared of their seniors and the administration, he said.
Kachroo believes the complaints are genuine and the authorities should ensure a safe environment for the freshmen. But “they are now trying to mount pressure” on the junior students, he said.
A professor of the institute tried to reason that the complainants have to record their statement so that action against the seniors could be taken.
But the junior students fear the seniors will be emboldened if no action is taken and the bullying might get extreme.
NlIU registrar Ravi Pandey said: “The matter is probed by the institute’s proctorial board…I can’t say anything before the probe is finished.”