A serious investigation has been initiated at the Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge and Technology (RGUKT) in Srikakulam following allegations of sexual harassment made by female students against teaching and non-teaching staff. The probe comes after students reportedly sent an email detailing their complaints to the university's higher authorities.
Internal Committee Takes Charge of Investigation
In response to the emerging scandal, the university administration swiftly constituted an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). The committee, comprising Prof Sravani Kanaka Kumari, advocate Padmaja, and HV Saritha, has already begun its work. Members visited the girls' hostels on campus to speak directly with the students about the serious allegations.
The panel has collected written complaints from the affected students. According to sources, the students also submitted what is described as proof of the harassment to the committee members. The inquiry is expected to continue for several more days as the ICC gathers all necessary evidence and testimonies.
A Pattern of Grievances and Official Visits
The current situation came to light after an anonymous email was sent to university officials. This communication prompted state women's commission chairperson Rayapati Sailaja to personally visit the RGUKT campus. During her visit, Sailaja encouraged students to directly approach the women's commission if they faced any form of harassment.
However, sources within the institute reveal that the harassment allegations are part of a broader climate of disappointment. Students are reportedly deeply frustrated with the overall academic and administrative environment, compounded by poor placement records with low salary packages.
Broader Issues of Academic Neglect and Failed Promises
A source from the institute provided a damning account of the systemic problems. The source alleged that some faculty members, lab assistants, and male administrative staff have engaged in inappropriate sexual behaviour, exploiting their positions of power. The source warned that ignoring such complaints could lead to severe legal repercussions for the institution.
The grievances extend beyond safety concerns. Students were promised robust training and placement support after the shift to the new campus, but have experienced the opposite. "We are largely forced to depend on online platforms such as YouTube and ChatGPT due to the lack of structured academic mentoring," the source stated.
The Training and Placement Cell (TNPC) has been described as a complete failure. Once operated by a team of student members, all responsibilities are now reportedly handled by a single individual, rendering it ineffective. The source highlighted the absence of proper training infrastructure, regular placement programs, and unfulfilled promises regarding GATE coaching and career guidance.
"Each faculty member had promised to bring two companies for placement season, but today most faculty do not even know how to approach a company," the source added, underscoring the gap between assurances and reality.
The ongoing inquiry at RGUKT Srikakulam now carries the weight of addressing not only specific allegations of misconduct but also the deeper institutional failures that have left students feeling vulnerable and unsupported.
