दक्षिणी छोटानागपुर
RIMS Lifts Saraswati Puja Ban After JDA Protest
RIMS lifted the Saraswati Puja ban after JDA protests over an arbitrary decision following an MBBS student’s assault. The government intervened, addressing student grievances and urging action against the attackers.
Ranchi : The Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Ranchi, has revoked its ban on Saraswati Puja celebrations on campus after protests by the Junior Doctors Association (JDA).
The controversy began on January 25 when the RIMS management announced the ban, citing security concerns following a brutal attack on a second-year MBBS student in Tiril Basti on January 24. The decision sparked outrage among students and junior doctors, who termed it arbitrary and unfair.
Protests by JDA
On January 26, JDA office bearers, including President Dr. Ankit Kumar, Executive President Dr. Abhishek Laguri, Vice President Dr. Abhishek Hansdak, Secretary Dr. Om Prakash, and Patron Dr. Jaideep Kumar Choudhary, held an emergency meeting to address the issue. They decided to escalate their protest if the ban was not withdrawn.
In parallel, JDA President Dr. Ankit Kumar and IMA Junior Doctors Network (JDN) State President Dr. Vikash Kumar reached out to Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari, urging them to intervene.
Government Intervention
Responding to the appeal, the Chief Minister and Health Minister directed the RIMS administration to lift the ban on Saraswati Puja.
“The RIMS family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari for his timely intervention and to IMA JDN President Dr. Vikash Kumar for guiding us in our protest,” said JDA President Dr. Ankit Kumar.
Management Criticism
Apart from the ban, the RIMS administration faced criticism for imposing other restrictions, such as prohibiting bike parking near Hostel No. 8 without offering alternative solutions.
“Instead of addressing the attack on a student, the management resorted to arbitrary decisions like banning bike parking. This only adds to our difficulties,” said a JDA representative.
The Incident
The triggering incident involved Dr. Ravish Chandra Suman, a second-year MBBS student, who was assaulted by anti-social elements while attending a birthday celebration at a restaurant in Tiril Basti.
The JDA has demanded a thorough investigation into the assault and the immediate arrest of those involved.
