IIT-BHU girl alleges molestation on campus, massive protests break out
The Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) was engulfed in turmoil and unrest following allegations of a student being molested on campus by three unidentified individuals on a Wednesday night. The distressing incident led to an immediate and widespread student-led response, as approximately 2,000 students commenced a protest by boycotting their classes. The demonstration initially took the form of a sit-in at the Rajputana hostel crossing before transitioning to a gathering near the office of the IIT-BHU director.
Amidst their protest, the students articulated specific demands, which included the prompt identification and arrest of the accused individuals, a substantial enhancement of security measures across the entire campus, and the resignation of the current director. The call for the director’s resignation was an expression of the students’ dissatisfaction with the existing security infrastructure and an indication of their belief that administrative accountability is essential for ensuring a safe and secure environment within the institution.
The incident and subsequent protest shed light on the broader concerns related to the safety and well-being of students within academic campuses, prompting discussions on the urgent need for robust security protocols and effective measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. The protests at IIT-BHU serve as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of addressing issues of campus safety and the protection of students, and they have sparked a wider conversation about the measures required to create secure and conducive learning environments within educational institutions in India.
Following the survivor’s complaint, the Lanka police promptly registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology (IT) Act. According to Commissioner of Police Ashok Mutha Jain, the FIR was lodged at 7:20 am on Thursday, citing Sections 354b and 506 of the IPC, as well as Section 66E of the IT Act.
Jain further stated that the authorities at the Lanka police station were informed of the incident by institute officials at approximately 3 am. According to the details outlined in the filed FIR, the distressing occurrence occurred around 1:30 am, emphasizing the gravity of the incident and the need for immediate action and investigation.
Despite the formal lodging of the FIR and the IIT-BHU administration’s assurances to the students that their demands would be addressed, the protesters persisted with their sit-in demonstration throughout the day. The students remained unwavering in their demand for the institute’s director to appear at their protest site, underscoring their determination to hold the institution’s management directly accountable and to ensure their voices were heard and their concerns adequately addressed.
The continued sit-in reflected the students’ insistence on active engagement and tangible measures to uphold campus safety and security, highlighting their unwavering commitment to bringing about substantive changes within the university environment. The incident at IIT-BHU and the ensuing protests have catalyzed discussions and debates on the broader issue of ensuring the safety and well-being of students on academic premises across the country.
The Commissioner of Police, Ashok Mutha Jain, addressed the concerns surrounding the recent incident at the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) and provided updates on the measures being taken to address the situation. Jain confirmed that a comprehensive manhunt had been initiated to apprehend the individuals accused of the crime. He highlighted that three specialized teams had been assembled to lead the pursuit and investigation of the accused perpetrators.
Moreover, in an effort to ensure the maintenance of law and order on the campus, senior officials had been deployed by the authorities. This strategic deployment aimed to reinforce security protocols and establish a visible presence of law enforcement personnel within the premises. The presence of senior officials was intended to not only provide reassurance to the student body and faculty but also to convey a strong message regarding the seriousness with which the authorities were treating the matter.
The swift response of the law enforcement agencies in launching a rigorous manhunt and deploying senior officials underscored the gravity of the situation and the commitment of the local authorities to ensure the safety and security of the students and staff at IIT-BHU. These proactive measures were intended to restore a sense of confidence and security within the campus community and to expedite the process of bringing the perpetrators to justice.
