Palghar Medical College Hostel Staff Suspended After Student Forced To Perform Namaz

An alleged ragging incident on Sunday night at a private medical college hostel in Posheri village, located within the Wada taluka of Maharashtra's Palghar district, has resulted in the suspension of two college staffers and the registration of a police case. The incident, where a first-year female physiotherapy student was reportedly forced to perform namaz by an unidentified girl, has triggered tension and protests on the campus.

According to the police, the victim is a first-year physiotherapy student who hails from Nashik. The incident took place on Sunday night when the student was on the fifth floor of the hostel building.

In her official complaint, the victim alleged that she was stopped on the fifth floor by a girl whose face was covered. The unidentified accused then reportedly tried to force her to perform Islamic prayers. The victim stated that the accused continued to pressure her to perform the prayers even after she refused, which left her extremely frightened.

On Monday morning, the victim informed her family members about the incident. The family claimed they received no immediate response or help from the college management. Consequently, the family approached the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to raise the issue.

By Monday night, the local police registered a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the incident. A police official noted that early findings from the initial investigation indicate that the entire episode may be linked to ragging on campus.

Following the incident, tension built up on the college campus, leading to protests by right-wing groups. To prevent any further disturbance or security issues, police personnel were deployed across the campus.

In response to the incident and the subsequent outcry, the college administration suspended two of its staffers, specifically a hostel warden and a teacher.