Team Herald
PANJIM: The alleged ragging incident involving Goa College of Architecture students that took place in September last year has seen a further twist, with social worker John Nazareth claiming on Saturday that the college authorities are now pressuring first-year students to give in writing that they are not willing to pursue
the matter.
Nazareth, who is also the Goa Government Employees’ Association president, demanded an impartial inquiry by a retired Judge or a retired Superintendent of Police (SP) and has challenged the college principal’s order before the State Information Commissioner. The matter is fixed on
June 17.
As many as 24 first year students had complained about ragging which occurred during a freshers’ party held in a private hall in Panjim, but no stern action was taken against the senior students involved in ragging and were
let off while the
probe was closed after reportedly asking the victims to withdraw their
complaint.
Nazareth further alleged that the students were harassed and the incident came to light only after he flagged it. A visiting faculty member who had attended the freshers’ party was asked to quit after first year students opposed his continuation.
The event is now being described as a “private party” to deflect the matter and avoid institutional responsibility, he said, reiterating his demand for an impartial probe.
He said after O Heraldo highlighted the ragging, the first year students are reportedly pressured to give in writing that they are not interested in pursuing their complaint.
Nazareth stated that the college authorities are denying him information sought under Right To Information (RTI) Act, saying that he is an ‘outsider’
and by using Section 8 (exemption from disclosure of information) of the
Act.
“I have now challenged the order of the college principal, who is the first appellate authority before the State Information Commissioner. The matter is fixed on June 17. Truth has to come to light,”
he said.
When contacted, Goa College of Architecture Principal Leon Morenas said, “As Principal of the College, ensuring the safety and respecting the choices of my students is paramount. We have followed due process and will continue
to do so.”