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CID to handle ragging incidents

11 Nov 2022

BY Buddhika Samaraweera The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has been ordered by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandana D. Wickramaratne to henceforth investigate into the complaints regarding ragging-related incidents in universities, and other higher education institutions, while Police stations have also been instructed to refer such complaints that they receive to the CID. When contacted by The Morning, Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa said that IGP Wickramaratne has ordered the CID to carry out investigations into ragging related incidents hereafter. He also stated that the IGP has instructed the relevant senior Police officials that complaints that are received by Police stations with regard to such incidents should also be referred to the CID. Thalduwa further said that Police stations have received several complaints over ragging related incidents over the past few days, including over an incident of a second year student of the University of Kelaniya being assaulted by three students who are members of a students’ union, and another incident of a student of the University of Peradeniya being ragged by sending him some improper content on social media platforms. According to him, the CID will be carrying out investigations into these incidents according to the relevant provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code. Against the backdrop of several parties calling for the elimination of ragging in universities and higher education institutions, clashes and issues related to ragging were recently reported from several universities and higher education institutions such as the University of Peradeniya, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the University of Kelaniya, the University of Ruhuna, the Open University, the Institute of Technology of the University of Moratuwa, and the Tower Hall Drama School under the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation. Meanwhile, raising concerns over the recent incidents of ragging and student indiscipline that have occurred with the resumption of on-site academic activities in State universities, including cyber-ragging related incidents, the Committee of the Vice Chancellors and Directors recently stated that a comprehensive strategy planned by universities, the law enforcement authorities, political parties, and the media with the support of the civil society is needed for the prevention and elimination of ragging. Ragging has been frequently associated with a broad spectrum of physical, behavioural, emotional and social problems among victims and is attributed to the increased risk of suicide and drop-outs among students attending universities and other higher education institutions. Many senior students have reportedly said that they do not wish to rag juniors but have to do so due to peer pressure. Also, although some new students claim to be acceptable with being ragged by their seniors, other students despise it. There have been several incidents where ragging related incidents resulted in the deaths of students and suicide attempts.   


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