To avoid further humiliation and media scrutiny, the Calicut University has submitted a preliminary report to University Grants Commission (UGC), responding to the allegations of sexual harassment inside the campus premises.
“Through the preliminary investigation, we have confirmed that prima facie there are cases of harassment. The report is based on the complaints made by seven students and an inquiry conducted by officials of the departments concerned,” Valsarajan, Dean of Students’ Welfare at the university told Deccan Herald.
This comes after the students protested against the “inaction” of the authorities by staging a protest in the campus on Friday.
Kaumudi reports local police have registered a case against seven students after the authorities handed over the complaint to them.
Earlier on Thursday, The News Minute reported that around 450 female students of the prestigious Calicut University wrote to the Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court and Governor P Sathasivam, Chancellor of the University alleging the authorities were helping offenders of sexual harassment get away and lack of intent on part of them to ensure the safety of female students.
The letter signed by the students, reads, “Despite numerous complaints being lodged with the University authorities and police regarding acts of harassment, verbal threats, physical violence, the insulting use of obscene language and gestures, teasing in public places and on campus roads, objectionable bodily exposure and suggestive behavior, no action has been taken by the authorities against the perpetrators of these criminal acts. In fact, we are afraid that the authorities themselves are colluding in protecting and sheltering the offenders.”
“Due to these acts of harassment by both the students of certain particular Departments/Centres and by anti-social elements from outside the campus, We are unable to pursue our studies or engage in normal day-to-day activities with any freedom,” the complaint further says.
The memorandum also refers to Adv. Seemanthini Commission instituted by the High Court of Kerala in 1997 and the subsequent judgment that stressed their rights to have protection, safety and security inside college campus.