india

Updated: Oct 13, 2017 21:41 IST

A female student was allegedly harassed by three bike-borne youths inside the Banaras Hindu University premises on Thursday evening, once again raising concerns about safety of girls on the campus.

The central university erupted in protest last month demanding safety for girls inside the varsity premises, and action against two unidentified persons, who allegedly molested a student on September 21.

Again on October 5, a gild student lodged a police complaint accusing a student of assaulting her. The BHU administration took prompt action and suspended the student.

Security on the campus has been intensified following the earlier two incidents with installation of 52 CCTV cameras and over 30 halogen lights on the spot identified as “dark spot.” A female security squad has also been posted. But the measures apparently failed to secure the campus for the girl students.

The latest incident took place when the girl was on way to her hostel after visiting a market in the vicinity of the varsity. The three miscreants reportedly slapped the girl on her head. She immediately informed the Quick Response Team (QRT).

The university’s chief proctor Royana Singh said a search was carried out on the premises during night. “Each bike carrying three persons was checked. But unidentified miscreants couldn’t be traced,” she told HT said.

As the incident happened so suddenly, the girl could not identify her tormentors.

The chief proctor said the girl has not yet filed any written complaint, adding if she wants a police case would be registered against the unidentified miscreants.

“Patrolling has been increased further after the. We are taking all possible measures to tighten security on the premises,” Singh added.

Singh has appealed to people, both boarders and outsiders to carry a valid identity card while visiting the university premises.

Action will be taken against anyone found roaming on the premises without valid identity card after sunset, Singh added.

The September 21 incident, took a more ugly turn when police caned charge on protesting students, mostly girls two days later. A case was registered against 1000 unidentified students.

A committee formed by the state government to probe the incident blamed BHU administration and VC Prof Girish Chand Tripathi for improper handling of the case.

Tripathi is now on an indefinite leave.