Hyderabad: The Women's Collective of the English and Foreign Languages University (Eflu) has come forward to express deep concern and condemnation regarding the recent statement made by the vice- chancellor, saying the campus has been very peaceful. In a powerful statement, the Women's Collective has highlighted multiple issues concerning the administration's response to a sexual assault incident on campus, as well as inappropriate behaviors exhibited by certain professors.
In the statement, the vice-chancellor stated, "The campus is peaceful and in order. I don't know how someone can say that there is disturbance in the university just like that. The ICC of the University has conducted the inquiry and submitted the report already. The police have been investigating the matter." However, the Women's Collective points out that it has been over a week since the sexual assault incident occurred, and neither the Vice Chancellor nor the proctorial board has directly addressed the students regarding the progress of the investigation. This lack of transparency, coupled with alleged moral policing and victim-blaming, has created an atmosphere of fear, making it difficult for students to speak out against the administration.
Additionally, the Women's Collective highlights that the Proctor has filed an FIR against 11 students involved in the protest, claiming that the protest was premeditated and aimed at harming him and stirring communal tensions. These allegations have intensified the climate of fear on campus and hindered academic and co-curricular activities.
The statement also sheds light on the inappropriate behaviour of certain professors who have attempted to intimidate and threaten students who support the survivor of the sexual assault. Furthermore, the professors and students who reviewed CCTV footage relevant to the assault have not been contacted during the investigation process, raising concerns about transparency.
The Women's Collective argues that the administration's definition of a "peaceful" campus is far from the truth, as fear has engulfed the student body. The increased security measures, restrictions on group gatherings, and installation of lights in well-lit areas instead of the site of the assault contribute to an environment of surveillance rather than safety.
