Three molesters on bike kissed, disrobed, recorded my videos, alleges IIT-BHU student; Massive protest erupts

Massive protests erupted at the Indian Institute of Technology-Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) campus on Thursday following an alleged incident of molestation. As per a TOI report, a female student claimed that she was molested by three unidentified men while taking a walk on campus with a male friendthe previous night. In response, approximately 2,000 students boycotted their classes and staged a sit-in near the Rajputana hostel crossing, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators, improved security on campus, and the resignation of the director.

The survivor filed a complaint with the Lanka police, who registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 354b (use of criminal force on a woman with intent to disrobe), Section 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 66E of the IT Act. The FIR stated that the incident occurred around 1:30 am. The police were alerted by the institute officials and arrived at the scene at 3 am.

Despite the filing of the FIR and assurances from the IIT-BHU administration that their concerns would be addressed, the students continued their sit-in until late evening, insisting on the presence of the institute's director at their protest venue.


According to the survivor's complaint, she left her hostel located on the campus for a walk around 1:30 am. While passing through the Gandhi Memorial hostel crossing, she was approached by a male student from the same institute. The two of them then went to the Karmanbir Baba temple, where three individuals on a motorcycle intercepted them. The survivor alleged that the miscreants forcibly separated her from her friend, took her to a secluded area, kissed and disrobed her, and recorded videos and photos of the crime. When she tried to raise an alarm, they threatened her with dire consequences. The ordeal lasted for more than 15 minutes, after which the perpetrators fled the scene. The survivor sought refuge in a nearby compound belonging to a professor's residence before reporting the matter to the institute's security personnel.

In solidarity, the IIT-BHU Students' Parliament initiated a protest and boycotted all academic activities. They gathered near the Rajputana crossing for a sit-in at the DG Corner. The protesters criticized the administration for a lack of adequate action to ensure the safety of students, stating that such incidents had become commonplace on campus. They expressed disappointment that students felt insecure in one of the country's most prestigious institutions.

The Commissioner of Police, Ashok Mutha Jain, confirmed that three teams were formed to apprehend the accused. Senior officials were deployed to maintain law and order, and CCTV footage was being examined to identify the individuals involved. To ensure a safe and secure environment for staff and students, the IIT-BHU administration issued an order to close all barricades on campus between 10 pm and 5 am. Additionally, a plan for restricted entry at night was implemented.