Mysuru: Karnataka reported 181 ragging incidents in higher educational institutions (HEIs) between 2022 and July 22, 2026, with cases rising despite stricter anti-ragging measures, including mandatory anti-ragging committees and provision for legal action.According to data furnished by minister of state for education Sukanta Majumdar in reply to a question by MP Sayani Ghosh in the Lok Sabha, ragging cases in HEIs in the state increased from 20 in 2022 to 41 till July 22, 2026.Ragging cases in Karnataka HEIsThe data showed 34 cases in 2023 and 41 in 2024. In 2025, HEIs across Karnataka reported 51 ragging cases.During the same period (2022-July 22, 2026), Tamil Nadu recorded 178 incidents of ragging, Andhra Pradesh 133, Kerala 126 and Telangana 101.South statesHowever, stakeholders attributed the increase in cases to greater awareness and sensitisation initiatives.“Our University received zero complaints of ragging. Our and our affiliated institutes campuses are safe for the students,” said Vidyashankar S, VC, Visvesvaraya Technological University.Dr Raveesh BN, professor and head of the department of psychiatry, said the severity of ragging incidents had come down compared to a few years ago.“The awareness drives ensured that even the minor bullying incident has been reported nowadays,” he said.According to him, awareness against ragging has increased, with both parents and students alert about such acts.A counsellor from a city college said more cases were likely to be recorded in 2026 as the admission season in higher educational institutions had only just begun.“Generally, ragging cases come to light during July-Oct when the admission for the higher educational institutions is taken up. But compared to a few years ago, severe cases of ragging have come down across the state due to the fear of law,” he said.
