Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College and Hospital (SLBSGMCH) in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, has taken decisive action against five MBBS students from the 2022 batch for making false accusations of ragging against their seniors. Following an investigation by the college's Anti-Ragging Committee, the students have been suspended from classes and hostel for three months and fined ₹25,000 each. They are also barred from attending remedial classes during the suspension period. The fines are to be deposited within a week.

The case originated in 2023 when the five students lodged a complaint alleging they were subjected to ragging. Dr. D.K. Verma, Principal of SLBSGMCH, stated that the Anti-Ragging Committee conducted a detailed investigation and found the allegations to be baseless. The inquiry revealed that the accusations were fabricated with the intent to malign the college's reputation and falsely implicate innocent students. The college administration emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated in an institution of medical education.

The college has a strict zero-tolerance policy on ragging and is committed to taking strong action against false complaints to protect both students and the institution's reputation. The administration's firm stance underscores the importance of maintaining a fair and respectful environment within the college.

Ragging in medical colleges remains a significant concern in India. A recent report, the 'State of Ragging in India 2022-24' by the Society Against Violence in Education (SAVE), identified medical colleges as "hotspots" for ragging. The report indicated that medical colleges account for a disproportionately high percentage of ragging complaints and related deaths compared to their student population. Between 2022 and 2024, 51 deaths were reported from ragging in Indian universities and colleges.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has also acknowledged the rising incidents of ragging and has urged medical colleges to implement robust anti-ragging mechanisms. These mechanisms include anti-ragging squads to monitor and identify ragging activities and creating widespread awareness among faculty, staff, and students about anti-ragging policies. The NMC has emphasized that ragging violates physical, moral, and legal boundaries and tarnishes the reputation of academic institutions.

While institutions are working to prevent ragging, false complaints can undermine these efforts and create an atmosphere of distrust. Action against those who make false allegations sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated, protecting the integrity of the institution and its students.