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A disturbing video depicting the assault of a student by Basava Venkata Ramana, founder of the 'Indian Army Calling' coaching institute in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, has ignited widespread condemnation and prompted swift action from authorities. The video, which recently went viral on social media, shows Ramana using a laptop charging cable to strike the crying student, while another individual passively observes the brutal attack. This incident, while reportedly occurring last year, has only recently come to light due to the video's increased visibility online. The graphic nature of the video and the apparent impunity with which the assault unfolded have sparked a firestorm of public outrage and calls for accountability.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh immediately responded to the public outcry, characterizing the incident as an "unwarranted act of aggression." He explicitly directed the Andhra Pradesh Police to initiate appropriate legal action against Ramana. His statement on X (formerly Twitter), tagging the relevant police accounts, served as a clear directive and also signaled the government's commitment to addressing the issue. This decisive response from a high-ranking official underscores the gravity with which the government views the incident and highlights the pressure from public opinion to deliver justice.
However, the incident has also become a political flashpoint, with the opposition Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) seizing the opportunity to criticize the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government. The YSRCP alleges that Ramana is closely connected to Union Minister and TDP leader Rammohan Naidu, suggesting a potential cover-up or lack of sufficient governmental oversight. The party further levied serious accusations against Ramana, claiming he engaged in fraudulent practices by promising army, navy, and air force jobs to students in exchange for significant fees (ranging from 5 to 10 lakhs). These allegations, while yet to be fully investigated, paint a picture of potential systemic corruption within the coaching center and raise concerns about the safety and welfare of the students under Ramana's care.
Beyond the financial exploitation claims, the YSRCP’s accusations extend to allegations of sexual harassment and voyeurism. The party asserts that Ramana secretly installed cameras in the girls' rooms at the coaching center, recording videos and using them to harass the students. The arrest of four individuals who reportedly informed the victims about the recordings further strengthens these claims, painting a grimmer and more disturbing picture of Ramana's actions. These serious allegations demand a thorough and impartial investigation to determine their veracity and bring all responsible parties to justice. The case underscores broader concerns about the safety and security of students in private coaching centers and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such abuses.
The incident highlights a broader systemic issue within the private education sector in India, particularly in competitive fields like military recruitment. The significant financial incentives offered by coaching centers, coupled with the pressure on students to secure coveted positions, create a fertile ground for exploitation and abuse. This case demands a more comprehensive review of the regulatory framework governing private coaching centers, ensuring stronger protections for students and more robust mechanisms for reporting and investigating allegations of misconduct. The need for greater transparency and accountability within the sector is paramount to preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future. The public outcry surrounding this incident demonstrates a collective demand for accountability and a determination to protect vulnerable students from predatory practices.
The case of Basava Venkata Ramana serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers students face in the pursuit of their educational and career goals. While the immediate focus is on bringing Ramana to justice, the incident calls for a deeper examination of the broader systemic issues that allowed such abuses to occur. This includes a comprehensive review of regulatory mechanisms, increased oversight of private coaching centers, and enhanced protection for students. Only through a concerted effort to address these systemic issues can we hope to prevent similar tragedies from occurring and create a safer learning environment for all students.
Source: Andhra coaching centre founder seen beating student, Nara Lokesh orders action