IIT-BHU Harassment Case: Accused Remain Unapprehended 5 Days On, Students' Outrage Grows

The situation regarding the harassment of a second-year B.Tech student at IIT-BHU on a late Wednesday night remains in focus. Five days have passed, but the suspects are still at large, causing frustration among the student body. Despite assurances from the police, the accused individuals have managed to evade capture in Varanasi.

The inability to apprehend those responsible for the harassment has stirred anger within the Students' Parliament at IIT-BHU. On Monday, students at the institution expressed concerns, suggesting that the police's actions indicate the accused may have influential connections, and deliberate efforts may be made to protect them. During the incident, the student was held captive for about 10 to 15 minutes, a crucial detail omitted from the FIR. Additionally, the police have advised the victim not to provide a statement regarding her captivity in front of a magistrate.

There are allegations that the police are trying to hide the entire case. This raises concerns that the victimized student may not receive the justice she deserves, and the three young men with criminal tendencies might continue to evade capture. There are fears that, if not apprehended, these individuals may pose a threat to another young woman.

Incident Background

To provide context, the incident occurred late on a Wednesday, around 1 a.m., when three individuals on motorcycles harassed a student from IIT-BHU while she was with a friend on campus. Upon learning of this incident, approximately 2,500 students staged an 11-hour protest on Thursday, November 2. The students remained steadfast in their demands well into the night. In the meantime, the Director's office at IIT-BHU issued a circular stating that all campus barricades would be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. to ensure the safety of both employees and students.

Recognizing the escalating situation, the police and the Director of IIT-BHU held a late-night meeting with the students. They provided assurances that the accused individuals would be in custody within seven days, facing penalties that would leave a lasting impact. Following this, the students concluded their 11-hour protest.