JNU gender panel told to take action in rape case

NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University panel that looks into complaints of sexual harassment has been asked to take action in the rape of a 28-year-old research

NEW DELHI: The Jawaharlal Nehru University panel that looks into complaints of sexual harassment has been asked to take action in the rape of a 28-year-old research student on campus.

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A 28-year-old research student has accused fellow student Anmol Ratan of raping her after offering her a spiked drink in his hostel room.

Ratan, a member of the Left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA), has been expelled from the student outfit. The police have registered an FIR in the matter.

The university administration wrote to the panel — Gender Sensitization Committee against Sexual Harassment (GSCASH) — to initiate action on Monday.

“It has come to the notice of the administration that an incident of rape took place in Brahmputra Hostel on August 20, 2016. GSCASH may take due notice and appropriate position, as per the rules. A copy of FIR filed by the victim with Delhi Police is enclosed,” the letter to GSCASH read.

A member of the committee, requesting anonymity, said the body will now probe the matter and recommend action against the accused. “The rape victim can approach GSCASH. We will look into the incident,” the member said.

“If found guilty, the accused may lose hostel accommodation or face rustication or expulsion. His degree may be withheld,” sources said.

JNU officials said along with the criminal action against the accused, the university administration will also punish the accused, if found guilty.

The JNU students’ union (JNUSU) has already written to the vice-chancellor, seeking action against Ratan. The university in a statement had said: “JNU administration strongly condemns an incident of heinous rape in a campus hostel. It has completely shaken the JNU community and has tarnished the image of the university.”

ACCUSED SENT TO 14-DAY JUDICIAL CUSTODY

JNU student Anmol Ratan, accused of raping a 28-year-old fellow student, was remanded to 14 days judicial custody by a Delhi court on Thursday.

A magisterial court at Patiala House courts complex sent Ratan to jail after Delhi Police decided not to seek his custody.

The court also directed jail authorities to provide him proper medical facilities after he submitted that he was suffering from heart ailment.