Vice-chancellor sacked over ANU ragging death

The action came after a four-member committee, headed by retired IAS officer S. Balasubrahmanyam, appointed by the state government to investigate into the suicide submitted its report. The committee came to the conclusion that Rishiteswari, who hailed from Warangal, was ragged severely.

The committee suggested that archaeology college principal Babu Rao be investigated as per the provisions of the Anti Ragging Act, 1997 and the Prohibition of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace 2013. The principal has been ordered not to enter the college till the completion of the probe. The committee said more students might have been involved in the case and wanted their roles established. As per the suggestions of the committee, the government will set up a fast-track court and appoint a special prosecutor for speedy justice.

Briefing the media on the report, HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao said that committee had ascertained the cause of the death based on the available material and evidence. It found that the ragging of Rishiteswari had “crossed the limits of decency, morality and humanity.” “The victim was feeling sense of shame and was subjected to mental agony. She was psychologically upset and that caused her deep depression following which she took her life,” it said.

After sacking in-charge V-C Sambasiva Rao, the government has appointed commissioner of department of technical and collegiate education B. Udayalaxmi in his place. Three students have been arrested in the case, and investigation is on to find out role of some more students, the minister said.

Mr Srinivasa Rao said that the government will take a series of steps to instil confidence among students. A toll-free helpline number 1800-4255314 will be installed, hostels will have biometric attendance systems and CCTV cameras. All these will be completed by August 30, he said.