A sessions court in Kottayam on Thursday granted bail to the five students accused in the brutal ragging incident at the Government Nursing College, citing their young age and the absence of prior criminal records as reasons for potential reformation.
The court granted bail to Samuel Johnson (20), Rahul Raj (22), Jeev (18), Rijil Jith (20), and Vivek (21), who were arrested on February 12 for allegedly subjecting their juniors to horrifying ragging over several months.
The bail came after three previous failed attempts — first at the Ettumanoor Magistrate Court, then the Kottayam Sessions Court, and finally the Kerala High Court.
Disturbing Abuse Captured on Video
The case came to light in February when graphic videos of a junior student being tortured began circulating on social media. The disturbing footage showed the victim tied to a cot and repeatedly pierced with a compass. In another clip, the student was seen stripped half-naked, with dumbbells placed on his private parts and facial cream being forced into his mouth.
Police investigations later revealed that the abuse had allegedly been ongoing since November 2023, with the accused routinely extorting money from juniors to buy alcohol.
Dismissed From College, Booked Under Anti-Ragging Law
Following the revelations, all five students were dismissed from the college, which functions under the Government Medical College in Kottayam. A case was subsequently registered under the Prohibition of Ragging Act, and the arrests followed soon after.
While granting bail, the court acknowledged the serious nature of the offense but noted that the accused were young and had no prior criminal background, suggesting they could still be reformed.
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Kerala, prompting calls for stronger measures against ragging and better protection for students in educational institutions.
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