Police Inspector Rahul Khatal of Malegaon Taluka Police Station said it is assumed that every individual in the country knows the laws and punishment for their violations.
If you stay silent and do not speak up against small acts of pranks then these stunts will soon turn into big incidents of ragging and your docile response will further embolden the pranksters, these were the words of Rahul Khatal, Police Inspector of Malegaon Taluka Police Station, as he spoke at the Mahilaratna Pushpatai Hire Arts, Science and Commerce College for Women while giving valuable tips to girl students on how ragging starts and in what way they can deal with this menace on the educational campuses.
From August 12 – 17, the college run by the Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir Trust had organised an ‘Anti-Ragging Week’ under the aegis of the Anti-Ragging Committee and Students Development Board. Khatal said, “Every professional in the country be it a doctor, a teacher etc has good knowledge and a better understanding of their respective fields. But it is assumed that these individuals also have the knowledge of various laws in the country. And hence, when an incident of crime happens, the book is thrown at the accused assuming that he was in the know of his act and its consequences. After committing the crime, an individual cannot come forward and claim that he was not aware of the laws and the repercussions of their actions.”
During the Anti-Ragging Week, various academic activities such as essay writing, poster drawing, slogan writing, screening of short films were organised. PI Khatal also threw some light on the modus operandi of the pranksters and those involved in ragging. He said in most of the cases, ragging starts with small pranks and then gradually grows into harassment. The Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999 has been in force in the state to prevent ragging. Then to protect women, there is POCSO Act in force since 2012. “Ragging happens to both male and female students. So, those who are indulging in ragging be ware as they will have to face the law irrespective of their knowledge level,” he said.
Acting Principal Dr Rajni Patil instructed the newly admitted girls to report without any fear or pressure the incidents of ragging from their senior students to the college authorities immediately. “Girl students from the rural background are wary of consequences. Such incidents can cause mental trauma to them. And hence, they avoid coming to the college,” Dr Patil said.
Dr Lanu Jadhav talked about the purpose of the program while Prof Shubhada Joshi took the responsibility of moderation. Prof Suchita Aher introduced the guests. Student Development Board President Dr Pragya Suravase did the Vote-of-Thanks. National Service Scheme Officer Dr Shilpa Yannawar and College Office Superintendent L K Nikam ensured the program was a grand success. Vice-Principal Dr Dipanjali Borse, Educational Supervisor Dr Meena Patil, faculty members, office administrative staff and students were present in large number.
