BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - After a 10-month investigation, seven Indiana University fraternity members were charged with two counts of felony hazing on Monday, August 3.
The incident occurred at an initiation event in October 2025, when 36 Phi Kappa Psi pledges were allegedly ordered to do push-ups, planks, squats, and deadlifts for three hours. About 10 were then supposedly forced to take an ice bath. Two pledges were hospitalized.
At least two pledges were injured so severely that their muscles started to disintegrate. They complained of difficulty in walking and thigh pain. One entered the hospital in critical condition. According to court documents, both were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can cause organ damage and even fatalities.
In addition to the felony hazing charges against seven members, the fraternity's president, Arjunkumar Patel of Westwood, is also being charged with obstruction of justice.
As they have been since the alleged incident, all of Phi Kappa Psi's organizational activities remain suspended.
The other six students facing level 6 felony charges are:
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The City of Columbus is evaluating the Columbus People Trail safety regulations after public feedback regarding the rise of motorized transportation devices.
COLUMBUS, Ind. - Downtown Columbus and other areas of the City will be busy on Saturday, September 26. The day begins with the Mill Race Marathon, followed by the race "After Party." After the Mill Race Marathon activities, the second annual Columbus Oktoberfest will take place.
COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Historical Society invites you to attend the third Evelyn Seward Speaker Series event of 2026 on October 8, when paranormal investigator, writer, and researcher Matthew D. Jackson presents "Haunted History and Lore of Bartholomew County."
PARIS CROSSING, Ind. - UPDATE: Sept. 21 at 12:48 p.m.: The Silver Alert on Lisa Bedel has been canceled. According to the Jennings County Sheriff's Office, Lisa Bedel has been located safely.
COLUMBUS, Ind. — The Columbus City Council passed the first reading of the 2027 City Budget during its regular meeting at Columbus City Hall on Tuesday, September 15. The measure was approved in a 7–1 roll-call vote, advancing the financial framework for the upcoming fiscal year.
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