No End To Sexual Harassment: Jamia Millia Islamia Suspends Prof; NIT Trichy Students Demand Safety

New Delhi: Even as protests from all sections of society continue unabated in Kolkata, demanding justice for the junior doctor who was raped and murdered at a state-run hospital three weeks ago, there is no end to incidents of sexual abuse against women in other reputed institutes across India.

Jamia Millia Islamia University in the nation’s Capital suspended a professor following a complaint of sexual harassment against him by a female student, an official order stated.

“A student of BA (Hons) Sanskrit, vide her email dated 29.08.2024, has submitted a complaint of sexual harassment… In her complaint, she has stated that the professor called her inside his official chamber and touched her inappropriately,” the suspension order stated.

He also tried to sexually assault her by making advances involving “unwelcome and explicit” sexual overtones, it added.

“By taking cognizance of the complaint of the student… on part of a professor of the university, the Officiating Vice-Chancellor, JMI, in terms of Statute 37(1) of the Statutes of the university, hereby places the professor under suspension with immediate effect pending inquiry by the Internal Complaints Committee of the university,” the order read.

Protest at NIT Trichy

In Tamil Nadu, students at NIT Trichy staged a protest raising concerns over their safety in campus after a woman living at the hostel alleged harassment by a Wi-Fi technician.

The student alleged that the technician entered her room under the pretext of some Wi-Fi work, and then exposed himself and masturbated in front of her.

The shocked woman came running out of her room screaming and explained what happened to fellow students. When she reported the incident, the hostel warden allegedly dismissed her concerns and blamed her instead.

She later lodged a complaint at Thiruverumbur police station. Action from cops ensured that the electrician is under judicial custody.

NIT Trichy authorities said the unfortunate incident is being viewed with utmost sensitivity and concern, adding that more stringent measures to ensure safety of students on campus is being put in place.

District SP Varun Kumar met protesting students to understand their issues.

“I held talks with protesting students of NIT Trichy to understand their concerns. They had a few demands regarding the safety of female students. They wanted better CCTVs. Students said when the victim raised this issue to the hostel warden, the warden was harsh in approach and did not support her. They demanded an apology from the warden. The warden also apologised. NIT administration has said they’ll soon pass an order regarding safety demands. I have convinced the students to drop the protest,” police officer said.