IIT-BHU student molested and assaulted, sparks protests for campus security

Varanasi: In a deeply distressing incident, a female student at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in Varanasi of Uttar Pradesh, was molested, forcibly kissed, and subjected to a horrifying assault by three unknown men. The assailants also disrobed her and recorded videos of the incident, leading to widespread outrage and protests within the institute.

The incident is reported to have occurred late on Wednesday night, after which thousands of students congregated in front of the institute director’s office on Thursday morning, demandind enhanced security measured on campus.

Protesters decried the lack of security personnel in several areas of the institute, with claims that CCTV cameras in both residential and campus areas were not functioning as intended.

The victim of the assault lodged a formal complaint with the police, recounting the harrowing experience. She stated, “I am a resident of a hostel at IIT-BHU. On November 2, around 1:30 am, I left my hostel for a walk. I met a male friend at the Gandhi Smriti hostel intersection. We were walking together when, 300-400 meters from the Karman Baba temple, a motorcycle approached us from behind with three men.”

“They parked their motorcycle and separated my friend and me. They forcibly silenced me, took me to a secluded area, kissed me against my will, and removed all my clothing and recorded photos and videos. When I cried out for help, they threatened my life. They released me after 10-15 minutes. As I rushed back to my hostel, I heard the sound of the motorcycle. I sought refuge at a professor’s residence, who they escorted me to the security officials,” the complaint further read.

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A police case has been registered against the three unidentified perpetrators under sections 354-B (assault or use of criminal force with the intent to disrobe a woman) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.

Senior police officials have confirmed that formation of multiple teams to apprehend the accused, stating, “Multiple teams are working on the case, and we will arrest the accused soon.”

In response to the protests and concerns raised by students, the IIT-BHU administration has taken immediate action. Fresh directives have been issued, mandating that all campus gates should be closed from 10 pm to 5 am. During this timeframe, security personnel posted at the gates will permit entry to vehicle displaying BHU stickers or IIT (BHU) ID cards.

“वी वांट जस्टिस! वी वांट जस्टिस!”

हाथों में पोस्टर लेकर कैंपस में नारे लगाते ये कोई सड़कछाप लड़के नहीं, IIT-BHU के छात्र हैं।

इनका आरोप है कि आये दिन कैंपस के अंदर लड़कियों के साथ छेड़खानी होती है।

आखिर यह छेड़खानी कौन करता है?

BHU प्रशासन उन पर कार्रवाई क्यों नहीं करता?… pic.twitter.com/9trqPEtWIx

— UP Congress (@INCUttarPradesh) November 2, 2023