The recent upheavals at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), and Kalakshetra have laid bare a disturbing reality within educational institutions. These incidents, particularly the molestation and gang-rape of an IITBHU student at gunpoint and the assault at EFLU, are not isolated occurrences but indicative of broader systemic issues that plague these campuses. The BHU incident centered around the molestation of a female student outside the campus gates. The perpetrators, three bike-borne assailants who remain at large, attacked the victim, taking pictures and videos of the act. The delayed response from authorities and the failure to ensure the victim’s safety postincident highlights a shocking lapse in campus security. Simultaneously, the turmoil at EFLU in Hyderabad erupted over the assault on a student, leading to widespread protests demanding justice. The incident underscored similar concerns about safety and institutional response to such crises. The rampant culture of molestation and perpetratorprotection practised in Kalakshetra of Tamil Nadu rocked the world of classical dance only recently. The subsequent reactions to these incidents have intensified the crises. At BHU, the administration’s late response and the police’s delay in apprehending the culprits have sparked outrage. Additionally, the ABVP’s disruption of lawful protests raises significant worries regarding the space to express dissent. In both instances, the demands echoing from the student community are clear and resolute. There is an urgent call for: Swift and thorough investigation to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice promptly
- Accountability of the administrations to fortify campus security, install surveillance mechanisms and guarantee a safe environment for all students
- Impartial and prompt actions from the police
- Condemnation and restraint of organizations resorting to violence or intimidation tactics against peaceful dissent
These incidents expose a society failing to protect its vulnerable members, administrations prioritizing reputation over safety, and a police force catering to powerful interests. The ABVP’s attempts to discredit legitimate dissent have reiterated their role as hired goons of the saffron regime rather than a student organisation. The need for a robust student union becomes evident in these incidents. A strong union can actively advocate for student rights, ensuring justice, and pressuring administrations to prioritize safety. The long-term project of the state to dilute student unions helps in making student unions toothless or defunct, creating a leeway for institutes that fail to uphold justice. The IIT-BHU incident and subsequent actions of Yogi’s police and ABVP, highlight the inherent Brahminical and patriarchal nature of state institutions. Such behaviour is of course expected from a regime that promotes Manu Samhita as the ideal code of conduct for its ‘subjects’. The patriarchy inherent in this ancient tome that dictates the lower status of women in the society is part of the package. Recently, UP banned latenight coaching classes for girl students citing ‘safety conerns’. The irony is boundless! Both in IIT-BHU and EFLU, protesting students have been met with physical violence from both the police and the extra-legal forces. Many students have been slapped with FIRs. A forceful silencing of legitimate demands is being done to preserve the status-quo. Even in the face of such onslaught, students have stood strong voicing their demands with nationwide solidarity.
