When mob molestation came to the University
The mass molestation of two women in Mumbai brings to mind a similar incident at Indraprastha College on Sept 16, 2007. Dr Manasvini M Yogi recalls.
The mass molestation of two women in Mumbai brings to mind a similar incident at Indraprastha College last year. It was September 16, a Sunday, the day of a police entrance exam in the city. About 42,000 examinees swamped the city, most of them unfortunately very close to the North Campus, University Of Delhi. It is indeed ironical that a mob of drawn from people who fancied a career in the police department would molest girl students on the very day they were being tested on their suitability for the job.
Our students reported to us that a mob these examinees molested several girl students as they were returning after their exam. Some of the victims of this mob were physically molested. The police did not react; the victims could not be identified.
The issue was sensitive and students from Indraprastha and other colleges got together to protest and demand a safe campus. The vice-chancellor acted immediately: university colleges were informed that no such exams would take place near the campus hence. The police eventually did take action, suspending officials who did not perform their duty.
Indraprastha College is safer now with more constables, including women, deployed round-the-clock in the area.
Incidents like this are very unfortunate, and underline the fact that women’s safety is most endangered in today’s times. Despite Delhi being the Capital and so much more police protection, women of all ages are victims of eve-teasing or molestation every single day.
Dr Manasvini M. Yogi, Media coordinator, Indraprastha College