IIT-BHU Harassment Case : 11 Hours Protest, Government Response, FIR Against Congress Leader, Know What Happened Till Now

Varanasi: A troubling incident of harassment involving a female student at the renowned Indian Institute of Technology Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) has gained attention, sparking protests, political responses, and swift government action. The incident occurred on a Wednesday night within the BHU campus, raising concerns about the safety of female students.

Student Protests for Justice

In reaction to this distressing event, around 2,500 students staged a sit-in protest on November 2, which lasted for an exhausting 11 hours. Late into the night, the students continued their demonstration, vocally demanding justice for the victim.

Government's Prompt Response and Assurances

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath swiftly acknowledged the situation and took immediate action. He engaged in discussions with District Magistrate Kaushal Raj Sharma and BHU's Vice-Chancellor, Professor S.K. Jain. CM Yogi Adityanath ordered the expedited apprehension of the culprits and emphasized the need for strict legal actions against them, ensuring that the message resonates with the public.

Conclusion of the Protest with Assurances of Action

During a meeting between the police and the director of IIT-BHU, authorities assured the students that all responsible parties would be arrested within seven days, and they would face the full extent of the law. This assurance led to the conclusion of the 11-hour student protest.

Controversy Surrounds the Proposed Division

Following these events, the university administration controversially suggested constructing a barrier to segregate IIT-BHU from BHU. Students have strongly opposed this division, asserting that it undermines the vision of Madan Mohan Malaviya.

Political Outcry and Demonstrations

The Uttar Pradesh Congress, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, took to social media to condemn the assault and call for justice for the victim. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra highlighted the disturbing nature of the incident and the accompanying video recording, expressing concerns about the safety of women within educational institutions.

ABVP Protests and Legal Actions Against Congress Leaders

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) initiated a protest against the assault while also opposing the proposed division. They articulated four key demands, including the installation of high-quality CCTV cameras, an increase in security personnel, restrictions on unauthorized individuals, and discontinuation of the divisive barrier plan. Additionally, ABVP students filed a case against Congress State President Ajay Rai for his comments regarding ABVP's involvement in the incident.

Government and Institutional Responses

A meeting between the Proctorial Board and the university administration was convened to address the harassment case, leading to the implementation of several concrete measures. These measures include strengthening security personnel, intensifying night patrols, enhancing security duty charts, deploying police Rapid Response Teams, and installing surveillance cameras within the campus. Efforts to improve lighting in dark areas and tighten security checks at entry points were also initiated.

Testimony of the Victim

The victim provided a harrowing testimony recounting her ordeal. She disclosed that she had ventured out late at night for an urgent matter and was accosted by three young men on a motorcycle. They subjected her to distressing acts, recorded videos, and threatened her life. Her bravery and resilience in seeking help and reporting the incident prompted swift government and institutional responses.

The distressing incident at IIT-BHU has elicited widespread outrage, highlighting pressing concerns about the safety of female students in educational institutions. The demands for justice and heightened security measures by the government and students are at the forefront of this ongoing case, ensuring that the culprits face the full weight of the law. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative to prioritize women's safety within educational institutions.