Jamia student molested in front of gate; accused arrested

A Kashmiri student enrolled at Jamia Millia Islamia as a day scholar was molested in front of the security guards on Sunday night. Though the accused was arrested soon after the incident, student outfits accused the guards of inaction.

According to the police, the accused, Aabid, a resident of Nuh in Haryana, molested the victim in front of gate no. 8 of the university on Sunday night. He was a cook in the J&K hostel mess in the university.

“According to the complainant, she was walking on the footpath around the university campus when the incident happened,” said a senior officer

While the accused was immediately detained, the complainant’s statement was recorded on Monday, he added.

The police have booked the accused under Section 74 and 75 (usage of criminal force on a woman with the intent to outrage her morality) of the BNS.

In a statement, the university said the incident was “unfortunate and strongly condemnable” and swift action was taken. “The university addressed the situation promptly on Sunday night itself. The perpetrator was immediately nabbed and the university authorities have taken multiple rounds of the campus, patrolling every nook and corner to ensure that the campus remains peaceful and secure,” the JMI statement read.

It added that senior officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, have been conducting regular rounds to reassure students, especially women, of their safety.

Meanwhile, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) criticised the university for the lapse. AISA alleged that the incident took place in full view of the security staff, who failed to intervene. They further demanded a transparent investigation, strict action against the perpetrator, and accountability for the security personnel who allegedly failed in their duty.

“Safety is a right and not a privilege,” the student outfit said in a statement, calling for urgent measures to protect students, especially women and marginalised groups.