A protest over the safety and security of female students took place at Nirma University on Ahmedabad’s S.G. Highway on Thursday, October 1, following an alleged obscene act by an unidentified person on campus.
According to students, the incident took place on September 29 near the Girls’ Hostel (H-4 Block), in front of the newly constructed H-5 building. A student reportedly recorded the incident on video and submitted it to the university administration.
Following the incident, a large number of students gathered on campus on October 1 wearing black clothes and carrying placards. The protest was organised to express their dissatisfaction with the university administration and demand action.
Police register case against unidentified person
A complaint was filed at the Sola High Court Police Station by 62-year-old Jayaram Desai, a resident of Bhaikakanagar in Thaltej and Chief Security Officer at Nirma University.
Police have registered a case against an unidentified person under Sections 110 and 117 of the Gujarat Police Act. As construction work is underway at the site, police are questioning workers and labourers staying at the premises as part of the investigation.
Students alleged that despite submitting video evidence along with their complaint, no concrete action was taken against the person responsible.
They also alleged that a university security guard made inappropriate comments about students’ clothing. Students further claimed that after the incident, the university attempted to address the issue by putting up a green safety net around the hostel area, which added to their anger.
Students launch social media campaign
Some students were initially hesitant to protest due to concerns about possible disciplinary action. However, they later launched a campaign on social media platforms, including Instagram, demanding action and accountability.
As part of the campaign, students were asked to come to campus wearing black on October 1. A large number of students subsequently joined the protest in black clothes and raised concerns over campus safety and the administration’s handling of the incident.