The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has launched a formal investigation into two separate and deeply troubling incidents of alleged ragging and student abuse in the state, directing top officials to submit detailed reports by July 24. The move underscores the Commission’s firm stance on safeguarding student rights and ensuring accountability in educational institutions. Taking suo-motu cognisance of media reports, THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh issued two separate orders on Wednesday. The first pertains to the prestigious Umakanta Academy in Agartala, West Tripura, where two students were allegedly involved in physically and mentally harassing juniors at the boys’ hostel. The incident has sparked widespread concern and prompted Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma to make an emergency visit to the hostel.
Following the visit, the minister convened a meeting with teachers, hostel authorities, and students, where he warned of strict administrative and legal action if the allegations were substantiated. Justice Lodh’s order said, “This is a clear violation of human rights of the students of Umakanta Academy,” adding that the District Magistrate and Collector of West Tripura, along with the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Director of School Education, must submit inquiry reports within 15 days of receiving the order. The second case involves a Class IX student from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), Ramchandraghat in Khowai District. The student, Ayush Dutta, reportedly fled the school hostel due to persistent ragging and harassment by seniors. According to the complaint filed by Ayush and his parents at Khowai Police Station, the boy was frequently forced to follow unreasonable orders and faced physical punishment when he resisted.
Unable to cope, Ayush escaped and returned home in the Sepahijala area of Khowai. Meanwhile, the school had filed a missing report with the police. Though the student reached home safely, the school has yet to issue a formal statement or take disciplinary action. In response, Justice Lodh directed the DGP Tripura, the DM & Collector of Khowai, and the Principal of JNV Ramchandraghat to submit their responses based on the media report and the complaint.“These cases raise serious questions about the safety and dignity of students in state-run hostels,” said a senior official from the THRC. “We aim to ensure justice is delivered and that such incidents are not repeated.”
