Guwahati, Sept. 30, 2025: A shocking case of alleged ragging has claimed the life of Joseph Khamthangsang Serto Kom, a BBA student of the North Eastern Regional Institute of Management (NERIM), Guwahati.
Joseph, the son of Pastor John Serto of Moirang, Manipur, was reportedly assaulted by a group of 8 - 10 fellow students on September 11 while returning home. The brutal incident, captured on CCTV and widely circulated on social media, left him with grievous injuries. He was admitted to the ICU at Apollo Hospital, Guwahati, where he fought for his life for 19 days before succumbing to his injuries on Monday evening.
His body has been kept at the hospital morgue and will undergo post-mortem at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) before being transported to his native village in Moirang for the final rites.
According to sources, police have arrested at least six students in connection with the assault, describing it as a premeditated attack. Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected.
In a statement, Joseph’s bereaved family condemned the assault as a “barbaric act” that has deeply shaken their faith in the safety of educational institutions. They have urged authorities to take strict and exemplary action against those responsible.
The tragic death has reignited debates over ragging and campus violence, exposing the urgent need for stronger preventive measures in academic institutions.
