HYDERABAD: Students of ICFAI University in Shankarpally, where a student was sexually assaulted, beaten and forced to chant religious slogans by a set of students, alleged that the institute failed to take action when the student reported the incident to the management.
The management also short-circuited a planned protest by students by announcing online classes for two weeks, students alleged.
The university did not offer a response to the students’ allegations.
The incident took place on November 1, following which the police claimed that the institute’s management was handling the issue and did not file a case. However, the next day, a case was lodged, faculty members were booked and the students who participated in the incident — that seemed more than ragging and a lot like a hate crime — were arrested.
“The victim was made to run from one management personnel to another, multiple times, but his problem was not addressed. Only a security guard was assigned to guard him. It was after his parents complained to the police that the institute initiated action,” a student said, requesting anonymity.
A second student, who also did not wish to be named, said that around 90 students wanted to stage a protest on the campus in support of the victim. On learning about the plan, the university changed the mode of classes to online.
“As a result, many day-scholars did not come to the institute and we could not carry out the protest as there were too few of us,” the second student said.
So far, eight students, including a juvenile have been arrested, while the institute has rusticated 12 students, including two who are absconding. The police also served notices under Section 41 of the CrPC to nine faculty members, including the registrar and director of administration.
Sequence of events
- Student sexually assaulted, forced to chant religious slogans
- Management shirks responsibility despite complaint
- College announces online classes to quell student protest
- Police initiate action after victim’s parents file case
- 12 students rusticated by college
- 8 students, including 1 juvenile, arrested
- 2 accused students missing
- 9 faculty members served notice
