Mumbai Police Registers FIR Against Guest Speaker for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Students at St. Xavier’s College Fest
Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against a 61-year-old guest professor following multiple sexual harassment complaints from students during St. Xavier’s College Fest, Antas. The accused allegedly took photos without consent and engaged in inappropriate physical contact. Nine written complaints were filed with the Internal Committee, which promptly alerted authorities. The FIR — under Sections 74 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita — marks one of the first applications of India’s new criminal laws in a campus-related case.
- Mumbai Police Registers FIR Against Guest Speaker for Alleged Sexual Harassment of Students at St. Xavier’s College Fest
- Police Action and Legal Framework Under New Laws
- Student Petitions and Campus-Wide Demand for Accountability
- Fest Organisers’ Public Apology and Pledge for Safe Spaces
- Ongoing Investigations and Scrutiny of Faculty Roles
- Broader Implications for Institutional Safety Protocols
The incident occurred during the prestigious Antas annual festival on November 26-27. A female faculty member’s formal complaint enabled the legal action. The accused is currently hospitalised in Vidarbha, citing mental health issues.
Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct and Photographs
Ten students have accused the visiting professor of misconduct. He allegedly took photographs of female students without their consent. The complaints also cite inappropriate physical contact during campus events. Some students claim the misbehaviour started a day before the festival. The college’s Internal Committee received at least nine written complaints. Authorities swiftly escorted the guest off campus after being informed.
Police Action and Legal Framework Under New Laws
An FIR was filed at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan police station on Sunday. Charges are under Sections 74 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. These sections address assault against women and insulting their modesty. A police team has travelled to Vidarbha to verify the accused’s hospitalisation. They are checking his medical documents and will serve a BNSS notice. The legal process highlights the application of India’s new criminal laws.
College Administration’s Response and Internal Committee Probe
Principal Dr. Karuna Gokarn denied any delay in the college’s action. She stated the professor was immediately asked to leave the campus. The matter was also reported to the vice-chancellor of his employing university. The Internal Committee (IC) initiated a probe after two formal notifications. The college forwarded the findings to the police, leading to the FIR. Dr. Gokarn emphasised the institution’s full support for the affected students.
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Student Petitions and Campus-Wide Demand for Accountability
A student petition gathered 67 signatures from a 130-member batch. It criticised professor negligence and demanded accountability and removal. Another petition sought a public apology from certain faculty members. This organised student response underscores deep-seated concerns about safety. However, the Antas fest core committee objected, calling one petition misinformation. They argued it could damage the college’s reputation, leading to its removal.
Fest Organisers’ Public Apology and Pledge for Safe Spaces
The Antas festival core team issued a formal apology on Instagram. They condemned the guest’s “completely unacceptable” and “deeply disrespectful” behaviour. The statement specifically apologised to female volunteers who felt unsafe. It reaffirmed the fest’s commitment to being a secure space for all. This public response highlights the broader impact on the student community’s trust. The organisers pledged to stand against actions violating their core values.
Ongoing Investigations and Scrutiny of Faculty Roles
The Internal Committee and police investigations are currently ongoing. Authorities are also examining CCTV footage from relevant dates. Meanwhile, some students walked out of a professor’s class alleging his support for the accused. This has sparked a parallel demand for internal accountability among faculty. The situation remains fluid as multiple inquiries proceed simultaneously. The college administration maintains it is following due process rigorously.
Broader Implications for Institutional Safety Protocols
This case tests the effectiveness of campus safety and grievance redressal mechanisms. It raises questions about vetting procedures for external guests at college events. The student-led petitions reflect a demand for more transparent and prompt action. Institutions nationwide are watching the legal and administrative outcomes closely. The application of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita adds a significant legal dimension. It sets a precedent for handling similar complaints in educational settings.
The St. Xavier’s College case is a serious test of institutional and legal response. Mumbai Police’s FIR under new laws marks a critical step forward. The college’s Internal Committee and police probes will determine further action. This incident reinforces the need for unwavering vigilance in protecting students. It also highlights the power of collective student voices in seeking justice. Sprouts News will continue to monitor developments in this ongoing investigation.
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