"Open campus with no boundary or bifurcation at the Indian Institute of Technology Varanasi (IIT BHU) is the reason behind outsiders entering the campus and such incidents growing in number," claims Abhishek Kumar, who is pursuing his Master's in Civil Engineering from the institute. Speaking to EdexLive while participating in the protest, he said that the director of the institute has agreed to speak to the survivor and the talks will be underway in a short while.
To recall, a shocking incident of sexual harassment and molestation has come to light from IIT BHU, wherein, a student was allegedly molested and stripped by three motorcycle-borne men, who also recorded a video of the act, near her hostel. Following the incident, hundreds of students gathered near IIT BHU's Rajputana Hostel and protested against the incident, reported PTI.
The students demand a closed campus as the existing open campus results in putting the safety of students in question. Breaking it down further, Abhishek said, "Banaras Hindu University (BHU), IIT and Institute of Management Studies (IMS) are in three different buildings in one campus with no bifurcation. Being an open campus, anyone is allowed into the varsity."
"Recently there was a fight between IIT hostellers and outsiders in the mess. And in 2018, a student of BHU was allegedly molested by outsiders," he recalls, claiming that the students of IIT BHU campus experience incidents of eve-teasing and misbehaviour frequently.
"Another concern is security. The security department is managed by the proctor and the guards don't work properly," Abhishek alleges, stating that there are fewer guards. Additionally, "There are no proper street lights on many roads which create problems during night," he adds.
Viral on social media
Since the protest started today, the protest videos have been circulated on X (formerly known as Twitter) by users from all walks of life, especially IIT BHU students. Here are a few reactions to the incident:
@raoprashant61
Despite ongoing calls for campus security enhancements, the director and chief proctor remain inactive. Last night, a student was assaulted on our campus. We, the students of IIT BHU, demand immediate action and increased security. #SafetyFirst #IITBHU
@be_satishfied_
Rape in IIT BHU
3 Men on Bike came and put her friend on knife and Raped the Girl.
Incident took place today, mid-night.
Until now there is no action has been taken by the administration, they are trying to suppress this heinous crime.
#iitbhu #justice #rape #rape_in_iit
@Satyamsuman9835
We'll not back down this time!
We, IIT BHU students demand a safe and secure campus!
#IITBHU
@AkshatJ57474980
Students of IIT BHU are not safe in their own campus
We want close campus
#iitbhu #wewantjustice
@IITBHU_Varanasi
@UPGovt
@narendramodi
@iitbhuglobal
@PMOIndia
@imabhi16029
#IITBHU
When you can't fight for your right then no one is going to care about it
Immediate action should be taken
@EduMinOfIndia
@IITBHU_Varanasi
@up
