The prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), was gripped by shock and outrage after a female student was allegedly molested and stripped by motorcycle-borne men on the campus. The disturbing incident unfolded during the late hours of Wednesday while the victim was walking with a male friend. As news of the incident spread, hundreds of IIT-BHU students staged a protest near the Rajputana Hostel, demanding increased security measures and an entry ban on outsiders.
According to the victim’s complaint, she and her friend were near the Karman Baba temple when three men arrived on a motorcycle and forcibly separated her from her friend. The assailants then took her to a secluded corner, gagged her, and subjected her to a horrifying ordeal. They stripped the woman, recorded videos, and took photographs against her will. After 15 harrowing minutes, they released her, but not before obtaining her phone number.
In response to the incident, an FIR (First Information Report) has been filed against the three unidentified individuals based on the victim’s complaint. Local law enforcement has launched a thorough investigation into the matter to identify and apprehend the culprits.
The incident has garnered attention and condemnation from political leaders, including the Congress, who have highlighted the concerning state of law and order in the region. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her dismay on social media, questioning the safety of campuses like BHU and esteemed institutions like IITs. She asked whether female students can no longer walk fearlessly within their own educational institutions.
Additionally, Abhay Singh, the secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) unit at BHU, and its members have joined the protest, advocating for the swift identification of the accused and the enforcement of stringent legal action against them.
In response to the incident and the ensuing protests, the IIT-BHU administration has taken immediate steps to enhance security. They have announced the closure of all barricades within the campus from 10 PM to 5 AM, with the aim of creating a safer environment for students and staff.
“In order to ensure a safe and secure environment in the campus for staff and students, all barricades in the institutes shall henceforth be closed from 10 PM to 5 AM,” the IIT-BHU administration stated in a notice released by the Registrar.
The incident at IIT-BHU underscores the pressing need for robust security measures and vigilant oversight on educational campuses to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff, while also serving as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by women in public spaces.
Sources By Agencies
