Surat: A first-year student of an engineering institute here was allegedly subjected to ragging by his seniors, prompting police to launch a probe, authorities said here today.

The 18-year-old student of Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) complained to college authorities that five of his seniors abused and thrashed him severely in the hostel.

Following the incident, the college filed a complaint with Umra police station here, said V L Manekar, the institute's Dean (Student Welfare).

“A first-year student approached us on November 12 and complained that five senior students harassed and thrashed him in the name of ragging. Initially, the case was investigated at the hostel level.

Then it was investigated by hostel disciplinary committee and finally by the institute's disciplinary committee,” Manekar said.  

“Based on the investigation carried out by the three committees, it was found that five senior students, studying in different years and separate branches, were involved in ragging.

Following this, we filed an application (complaint) before Umra police station here,” he added.  Asked what action would be taken against the erring students, Manekar said, “We will take action on the basis of gravity of the incident and as per the Supreme Court guidelines related to ragging cases.”

Police Sub-Inspector R R Rathwa, who is handling the probe, said an FIR will be filed only after questioning both sides.