Sri Venkateswara University (SVU) officials on Monday, suspended seven final year MCA students in connection with the ragging incident, reported from the varsity's Seshadri Hostel (D-Block) on Saturday night. The incident which cropped up even before the recent episodes of ragging could simmer down in the State, prompted the officials to take stern action on the offenders.
The officials have identified seven students — Y. Narendra, K. Sivakesava Naidu, A. Mahesh, M. Bhanu Prakash Reddy, S. Rufus, Ravi Chandra and M. Malyadri — based on the preliminary enquiry and gathered evidence. They further ordered for an immediate expulsion of students from the hostel and suspended them from attending college. The matter has also been reported to the Police Department for initiating further action.
It may be recalled that, soon after the reports of ragging broke out, a seven-member committee, led by SVU Rector C.K. Jayasankar, was constituted to investigate into the issue. On Monday, the committee members visited the hostel and interacted with the students to elicit more information about the incident. Even the Tirupati RDO V. Veerabrahmaiah held a meeting with the varsity officials and conducted a preliminary enquiry by interacting with students at D-Block of Seshadri Hostel.
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The incident came to light when ‘harassed’ juniors reported the same to a students’ organisation, who in turn approached the vernacular media. The officials began the investigation based on the media reports.
Speaking to The Hindu , SVU Registrar M. Devarajulu elucidated on measures being taken to prevent ragging on the varsity premises. He said that they would install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at various points (including hostels) and maintained that they were planning to introduce private security guards to increase security on the campus.
Meanwhile, Tirupati Urban Superintendent of Police Gopinath Jatti will be addressing the students at an ‘anti-ragging campaign’ to be held in SVU Auditorium on August 18.
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