Haldwani, Oct. 23 -- The Anti-Ragging Committee of Government Medical College (GMC) Haldwani has launched an inquiry into allegations of ragging and physical assault involving a second-year MBBS student following a complaint by his father, officials said on Thursday. The college administration said a preliminary inquiry had not substantiated the allegation of physical assault. College principal Dr Ajay Arya said the incident allegedly occurred during a late-night meeting of students discussing preparations for the annual college festival, Crescendo, scheduled for October 16. A third-year student allegedly assaulted the second-year student, who was later admitted to hospital and discharged the following day. Arya said the student's father emailed the college on October 20 alleging ragging. The committee subsequently questioned more than 30 students who were reportedly present at the meeting. "None of the students questioned during the preliminary inquiry confirmed that a physical assault had occurred. Some said the second-year student had been observing a fast during Navratri and had fainted during the meeting," Arya said. City Magistrate AP Bajpai said an official inquiry had begun and the affected student's statement would be recorded soon....