Pune University Faces Security Crisis as International Student Harassed in Hostel
In a disturbing incident at Savitribai Phule Pune University, an international student was allegedly sexually harassed by a delivery agent in the girls' hostel on Friday night. The accused, a 25-year-old man, was arrested on Saturday, but the event has exposed glaring security lapses, as this is the second such occurrence within a month at the same hostel, which lacks permanent security guards and CCTV cameras.
Victim's Harrowing Account and Police Response
The victim recounted the terrifying experience, stating, "The delivery agent came up to the third floor. He was standing outside my room and started misbehaving. I got scared and called out my fellow hostel mates, and he ran. I called him on mobile again, and when he came outside the hostel, we took a video of him and caught him. Along with a security guard, we took him to the Chatushrungi police station, but police refused to take the complaint. We had to call up our embassy."
Senior police inspector Uttam Bhajnawale denied these allegations, asserting that CCTV footage inside the police station can be verified. He explained, "We had to let him go as there was no complaint initially. An FIR was filed later based on the girl's complaint under BNS section 296 (obscene act). The accused has been arrested."
Recurring Incidents and Student Frustrations
Another student revealed that she too had been harassed by a delivery agent just outside the hostel a few weeks ago, highlighting a pattern of vulnerability. She expressed frustration, saying, "We do not have an official rector nor do we know whom to complain to. Officials always try to suppress such things."
During a senate meeting on Saturday, members sharply criticized the lack of security and the handling by the Office for International Affairs. Krishna Bhandalkar, a senate member, questioned, "Why was there no security provided to the hostel? Why is the POSH committee contact number or the security helpline number not publicised or pasted at the entrance of all hostels?"
University's Response and Immediate Measures
Vijay Khare, director of the Office for International Affairs, attributed part of the issue to capacity constraints, noting, "Since our international student hostel was full, we made another building a temporary hostel."
In response to the outcry, vice-chancellor Suresh Gosavi has taken action by forming a committee to assign responsibility for the lapses. As immediate measures, he has promised:
- Round-the-clock female security staff for the hostel.
- Installation of a CCTV camera to monitor the premises.
- Addition of a grill gate to enhance physical security.
Gosavi added, "If they feel unsafe, we will shift them to a different hostel," underscoring the university's commitment to student safety. However, these steps come after repeated incidents, raising questions about the effectiveness of prior security protocols and the need for more proactive measures to protect students on campus.
