The Indian Law Society (ILS) Law College in Pune has come under investigation following a police complaint that led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against five students for alleged ragging. The complaint was filed at the Deccan Gymkhana Police Station after a preliminary inquiry was conducted into the matter. Police have invoked the provisions outlined in the Maharashtra Prohibition of Ragging Act, 1999, in relation to this case.

Chronology of Harassment Claims

The allegations surfaced from a 35-year-old second-year LLB student, who claims he experienced continuous harassment over a span of 14 months, from October 2024 to December 2025. The complainant reported that the issues commenced on October 6, 2024, after he raised concerns to college authorities regarding a group of students allegedly consuming alcohol within the hostel premises. He stated that following this notification, he faced a sustained campaign of intimidation.

The FIR details various forms of harassment that the student asserts he endured, including verbal abuse and disturbances outside his room. Additional claims involve deliberate attempts to intimidate him, such as cigarette smoke being blown at him and damage inflicted on his room door on multiple occasions.

The five students accused, all reportedly in their early twenties, have been charged under pertinent sections of the anti-ragging legislation. Deputy Commissioner of Police Krushikesh Rawale stated that the investigation aims to establish a timeline of the events and corroborate the allegations described in the complainant’s account.

Institutional Response and Internal Investigation

The internal committee submitted its findings to the UGC, but the complainant has called the credibility of this report into question, labelling it flawed and insufficient. Frustrated with the internal resolution process, he escalated the matter to law enforcement, prompting the registration of the FIR.

As of now, attempts to obtain a statement from Deepa Paturkar, the principal of ILS Law College, have been unsuccessful, with calls for comment remaining unanswered. The ongoing case underscores the persistent issue of ragging in higher education institutions, despite the presence of stringent laws and oversight mechanisms.

Continuing Investigation and Future Implications

The situation highlights significant gaps in the implementation of anti-ragging measures, as mandated by the UGC, which requires the establishment of anti-ragging committees, helplines, and strict penalties for violations. The police investigation is currently underway, focusing on verifying the allegations made by the complainant and determining the accountability of both the accused students and the institutional response.

The outcome of this investigation may have broader implications for the adherence to anti-ragging policies across educational institutions in India. The focus remains on ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all students, as well as reinforcing institutional responsibilities in addressing such serious allegations.

As this case unfolds, it is clear that the attention on the issue of ragging in educational settings is likely to intensify, with stakeholders monitoring the developments closely.

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