Varanasi: A distressing incident occurred at the Indian Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), in Varanasi, resulting in a student protest. On Wednesday night a female student reported being subjected to molestation by three men on a motorcycle who ambushed her while she was on campus. The individuals forcibly kissed her removed her clothes, and recorded a video.
In response to this horrifying incident, hundreds of students gathered in protest at the office of the institute director on Thursday morning. They demanded security measures across the campus. The protest continued into Thursday night and was eventually called off after assurances from the institute administration that steps would be taken to enhance campus security.
A case has been registered against the men at Lanka police station under sections of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to assault with intent to disrobe, criminal intimidation and provisions of the Information Technology Act.
In her complaint to the police, the victim stated, “I am a resident of an IIT BHU hostel. On November 2nd, around 1:30 am, I left my hostel for a stroll with a friend. As we were walking, a motorcycle carrying three men came up from, behind us. They separated us forcefully by kissing me against my will and undressing me while capturing photos and videos.”
When I asked for assistance, they made threats, against my life. Eventually, they let me go after around 10 to 15 minutes. I hurriedly made my way, towards my hostel, seeking safety at the residence of a professor. The professor accompanied me to the security authorities.”
The Varanasi Police Commissioner reported that the Station House Officer (SHO) of Lanka police station was “attached to police lines” in the wake of the incident. No arrests have been made yet, but multiple police teams are actively investigating the case.
The Uttar Pradesh Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) stated that law enforcement is committed to the investigation and has deployed a police presence on the institute’s campus to maintain order.
In response to the incident, the IIT-BHU Students’ Parliament announced a campus-wide protest, boycotting academic activities and staging a sit-in protest. They expressed deep concern about the incident and the broader issue of campus security, highlighting that similar incidents have occurred in the past.