IIT-BHU Student Alleges Molestation, Sparking Mass Protests and Security Measures

Varanasi: A shocking incident of alleged molestation and harassment at the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) in Varanasi has ignited a massive wave of protests and calls for improved security measures on campus. The victim, a female student, accused three unidentified men of forcibly kissing her, disrobing her, and recording video footage of the horrifying incident.

According to a report published in The Indian Express, the alleged incident occurred late at night on Wednesday, November 1, within the confines of the IIT-BHU campus. In her police complaint, the student recounted her harrowing experience, stating, "I am a resident of a hostel at IIT-BHU. On November 2, around 1.30 a.m., I left my hostel for a walk. I met a male friend. We were walking together when a motorcycle approached us from behind with three men." She went on to describe how the assailants forcibly separated her from her friend, silenced her, and subjected her to physical assault and humiliation.

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

Reacting to the shocking incident, a senior police officer assured that multiple teams were actively working to apprehend the accused, stating, "Multiple teams are working on the case, and we will arrest the accused soon."

A varsity official told The Indian Express that at least 2,000 students were sitting in protest at the institute since Thursday morning. “The students are demanding better security arrangements and want a system where no one can enter the campus without an identification card of the institute. Senior officials of the institute are holding talks with them, and we are looking into their demands,” the official said.

In response to the incident and growing concerns for student safety, thousands of IIT-BHU 

students gathered on Thursday morning at the institute director's office to demand enhanced security arrangements on campus. Their demands included the implementation of a system where no one could enter the campus without a proper identification card from the institute.

According to a report published in The Hindustan Times, the IIT-BHU administration swiftly addressed the students' concerns by issuing a notice, stating, "In order to ensure a safe and secure environment in the campus for staff and students, all barricades in the Institute shall henceforth be closed from 10 pm to 5 am… The guard at post may allow vehicles having BHU stickers/IIT(BHU) ID cards."

Furthermore, students at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) voiced their solidarity with the victim and their fellow IIT-BHU students, advocating for enhanced security measures and demanding that outsiders be prohibited from entering the campus.

This disturbing incident has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, with political figures and student organisations demanding swift identification and strict legal action against the perpetrators. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her concerns on social media, asking if esteemed institutions like BHU and IITs were no longer safe for female students.