The Cochin University of Science and Technology (Cusat) authorities will conduct surprise checks at the varsity hostels in the coming days.
The university has decided to step up surveillance against ragging by deploying special squads comprising senior professors and security personnel. The move comes closely after seven students of the K.M. School of Marine Engineering were suspended following allegations of ragging first year students at the hostel.
The squads will conduct surprise checks at hostels during night hours. These will be in addition to inspections during daytime.
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations revealed that the alleged ragging at the marine engineering school hostel was “verbal” in nature and added that no physical assault was reported. The seven students, who had been suspended pending inquiry, belonged to the second year batch. Varsity officials said all the directives issued by the University Grants Commission to curb ragging would be strictly implemented on the campus.
Senior students will also be told to treat newcomers properly. Wardens have been told to ensure that a peaceful atmosphere prevailed at the hostels.
