Agartala, July 02, 2025: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has taken suo-motu cognisance of two separate incidents of alleged ragging in hostels located in West Tripura and Khowai districts, directing key officials to submit inquiry reports by July 24.

In a formal order, THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh cited recent media reports highlighting disturbing allegations of physical and mental harassment at the boys’ hostel of Umakanta Academy in Agartala. The complaint reportedly involves two students accused of mistreating hostel mates.

Following the reports, Tribal Welfare Minister Bikas Debbarma visited the hostel to assess the situation. He convened an urgent meeting with school authorities, hostel staff, and students, expressing grave concern over the matter. The Minister warned that stringent administrative and legal action would follow if the allegations were substantiated.

Referring to the published news, Justice Lodh remarked, “The Commission considers this a clear violation of the human rights of students of Umakanta Academy.” He directed the District Magistrate of West Tripura, the Director General of Police, and the Director of School Education to initiate separate inquiries and submit detailed reports within 15 days.

In a separate order, the THRC also addressed a serious allegation from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in Ramchandraghat, Khowai district. A Class IX student, Ayush Dutta, reportedly fled the hostel due to persistent ragging by seniors. He later returned home to the Sepahijala area and, along with his parents, lodged a formal complaint at Khowai Police Station.

According to the student, he was subjected to repeated mental and physical abuse and was forced to follow unreasonable instructions under threat of punishment. The incident prompted school authorities to file a missing person report, although the boy had safely reached home by then. As per the THRC order, the school has not yet released any official statement or confirmed disciplinary action.

In response, Justice Lodh instructed the DGP, the DM & Collector of Khowai, and the Principal of JNV Ramchandraghat to submit their responses to the reported incident.

The Commission has scheduled the next hearing for both cases on July 24.