EFLU Case: NCW Seeks Report from DGP; Protest Resumes

HYDERABAD: National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Rekha Sharma has directed Telangana state DGP Anjani Kumar to conduct a 'free and fair time-bound investigation' into the alleged sexual harassment case on English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) campus on October 19.

In a letter dated October 23, Sharma asked the DGP to submit an 'action report' within seven days of receiving the communique which is Monday, October 30.
Sharma's letter comes after CPM Rajya Sabha MP V. Sivadasan wrote to the NCW, demanding the commission intervene in the matter.

"It has been alleged that the incident happened against the backdrop of continuing protests by the students for reconstituting the hitherto inactive internal committee for gender sensitisation to deal with cases of sexual harassment on campus," the letter read.

The letter said appropriate action must be taken against the alleged accused.
It also mentioned allegations of university security staff handling students roughly during their protest and the administration making attempts to 'muzzle out their voices.'

Meanwhile, students of Eflu resumed their protest against the university's inaction over the complaint, this time in masks and hoodies so as to avoid being identified and 'targeted' by the administration for 'standing up for the truth'.
They said the fear of being named in more complaints like the one Proctor T. Samson had filed against 11 protesting students pushed them to hide their identities. "This goes to show how terrified we are to do the bare minimum of demanding justice," said one student.

Though the university is shut for Dasara vacation till October 29, several students have returned to their hostels to partake in the protest. Many said they are 'risking' their lives and careers by doing this but have no other option as the administration has to be forced to take action.