In New Delhi, a female scholar at Jawaharlal Nehru University has commenced an indefinite strike at the primary entrance of the campus, asserting negligence by its governing body concerning her accusation of sexual harassment against four individuals. She contends that she encountered sexual harassment during the night of March 31 on the premises by four individuals, among whom are two former scholars. An investigation into the occurrence has been initiated by the university administration.
However, the plaintiff alleges that the perpetrators of the offense continue to move about without restraint. “It has surpassed 30 hours since the initial filing of the complaint, and no concrete action has been taken as yet. Despite numerous procedural formalities, my companions and I have persistently approached the administration, forsaking our academic obligations, urging for justice, while the perpetrators continue to enjoy their freedom,” she asserted.
Conversely, the university maintains that it is adhering to the requisite procedures. “We are following the prescribed procedures, which necessitate time. Furthermore, the accused must be afforded an opportunity to present their defense,” conveyed JNU Chief Proctor Sudhir Kumar to PTI.
The plaintiff has further expressed apprehensions regarding her safety and security within the campus confines. “It should be noted that the individual who subjected me to harassment, along with my friend, resides in the same residential facility as I do. I am expected to frequent the same residential quarters, the identical corridors, and the communal dining area, facing the individual who has inflicted such psychological torment upon me.”
The chief proctor had previously declared the two former scholars implicated in the allegations as “restricted from campus premises.” The plaintiff also voiced dissatisfaction with the involvement of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) in addressing the issue and indicated her decision to initiate the protest after perceiving its inefficacy.
Having observed the ineffectiveness of the JNUSU, I resolved to take matters into my own hands. They proceeded to meet the proctor without the presence of the aggrieved party, whilst my companions and I were engaged in administrative formalities,” she remarked. The scholar demanded the immediate restriction of one of the accused individuals from Sabarmati Hostel, revocation of the accused’s registration, prohibition orders for the former scholars, and measures to ensure her safety, as well as that of her companions.
The purported incident occurred when the plaintiff and a companion were strolling near the JNU Ring Road around 2 am, as confirmed by a university representative. They were purportedly trailed by four individuals, including two graduates, in a vehicle. These individuals purportedly subjected the female scholar to sexual harassment, as conveyed by the official.
The Left-led student coalition has alleged that the four individuals, including the two former scholars, are associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). However, the ABVP refuted the accusation and asserted that it was unjustly implicated.