SRM-University: Staff masturbates at girl, warden blames victim, protests erupt
Dozens of students of SRM University, Chennai, took to streets to protest against the varsity's alleged laxity to tackle sexual harassment in the campus. They claimed a second-year undergraduate girl was masturbated at by the staff of the college, but no action was taken. Vice-Chancellor, Sandeep Sancheti, however, denied inaction and said the administration was looking into the matter. Here's what went down.
Students took elevator to her room, was harassed
The victim was harassed by a man on Thursday around 3 PM. She had taken the elevator to her room on the sixth floor. The man who was present inside the elevator masturbated at her. When she tried getting out, he blocked her path, reports said. As the elevator stopped on the fourth floor, the victim ran out screaming, seeking help.
If this wasn't enough, authorities delayed action
Students claim the perpetrator was a staff member and had easy access to the hostels. They alleged the authorities delayed the process, and took two-three hours to scourge through CCTV footage. Only when the accused was identified, did the hostel warden believe them.
We want justice, demand students
When they went to warden, she spoke about their clothes
What frustrated the students more was the way the warden treated them when they went to flag the harassment. She questioned their 'short clothes'. "In fact, the first response when we went to file a complaint was to go to our room, change our clothes and sleep. How can they be this insensitive?" a student said. Upset with this, students decided to act alone.
Together against harassment: Students are visibly angry
On Thursday night, students left their rooms
The students left their rooms and protested in the campus. They alleged the Director and Registrar were in the campus but failed to act. Students said the Director sent an email saying the accused would be arrested soon but didn't say anything when asked about police complaint. Police officials said the students dispersed after authorities promised action.
Students allege harassment is common, so is victim shaming
Notably, this was not the first incident of harassment, students said. Some girls said few rooms have windows opening to a corridor. "There have been a lot of instances when we have noticed workers peeking into our rooms in the night," a student said. When they complained to authorities, they were told to 'dress properly'. Students claimed they weren't safe in the campus.
