IIT-BHU Molestation Case : Serious Charges Increased Against Accused, After Victim's Statement

The IIT BHU harassment case has reached a critical juncture with the formal filing of charges against the accused, a development stemming from the compelling testimony provided by the victim. The distressing incident involved three bikers subjecting the victim to harassment and recording the episode, prompting the initiation of legal proceedings at the Lanka police station in Varanasi. The charges now include sexual assault and the use of electronic devices for sexual harassment, indicating a more severe consequence for the accused. The gravity of their actions is becoming increasingly evident.

Despite the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), the accused individuals persist in evading law enforcement, leading to frustration among the IIT BHU student body.

The victim, a second year B.Tech student, recounted a harrowing experience with three youths near the Karmn Bir Baba Temple. They not only harassed her but also recorded the distressing incident, accompanied by threats to disseminate it on social media. The police have invoked sections 376 (D) and 509 of the Indian Penal Code, initiating an ongoing investigation.

Notably, even a week after the incident, the accused remain at large, adeptly evading police custody and identification, further fueling the anger within the IIT BHU student community.

The victim's detailed statement, recorded under Section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), meticulously outlines the traumatic encounter, disclosing not only harassment but also forceful touching of her private parts by the accused. The authorities have elevated the charges, and the investigation is now under the vigilant oversight of Inspector (Crime) Sahajanand Shrivastav.

The examination of the case has been entrusted to Station House Officer Shivakant Mishra. Police Commissioner Mutha Ashok Jain has emphasized the determination to ensure that the accused face justice, categorically stating that they will not escape apprehension. The victim's written statement, submitted to both the police and the magistrate, serves as the basis for the heightened charges, reflecting a steadfast commitment to holding the accused accountable for their reprehensible actions.