Hamirpur (HP): Police on Thursday registered a case against six Class 12 students of a prominent school in the Sujanpur area of Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district for allegedly ragging and abusing a junior, officials said.

The case was registered on the complaint of the victim's father under relevant provisions of the anti-ragging law and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at the Sujanpur police station, they said.

The victim, a Class 8 student and a resident of Chamba district, alleged that he was subjected to repeated ragging, physical assault and mental harassment by the six senior students. He also accused them of instigating him to commit suicide.

According to the complaint, the boy was allegedly forced to perform obscene acts and was physically assaulted by the seniors. When he reported the incident to the hostel warden, the accused students allegedly abused him again, assaulted him and compelled him to remain in the 'murga' (squat) posture continuously for about 45 minutes.

The prolonged humiliation and repeated harassment left the minor mentally distressed, the complaint said.

Hamirpur Superintendent of Police Balbir Singh Thakur said an investigation has been launched into the incident. “Statements of the victim and other students are being recorded. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the probe,” he said.

Police said the accused students will be questioned and appropriate legal proceedings will follow. The school authorities are also being asked to submit details regarding hostel supervision and preventive measures against ragging.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over safety and monitoring of students in residential educational institutions. PTI