Ramjas College, a premier institution under Delhi University, became the epicenter of intense protests on Wednesday as students rallied against a professor accused of sexual harassment. The demonstrations, organized by various student groups including the left-oriented All India Students Association (AISA), Students Federation of India (SFI), and the right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), demanded immediate action from the college administration.

The controversy stemmed from an incident reported last December, where the professor allegedly sexually harassed a minor female student. The complaint was lodged with the college’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) over 10 days ago. However, students expressed frustration over what they perceived as the administration’s inaction.

Protests and Alleged Violence on Campus

The protests escalated on Wednesday when unidentified individuals armed with sticks entered the campus and reportedly attacked students. According to statements from AISA and SFI, these individuals were members of ABVP, although ABVP denied the allegations. The confrontation turned violent, with common students allegedly beaten using sticks and flower pots. A third-year student suffered severe injuries and was hospitalized, as per a statement from SFI.

A faculty member described the scene: “A clash broke out around 12:30 pm when a group of students was preparing for protests. A heated exchange ensued, and a professor intervened, urging students to focus on the cause rather than fight among themselves.” Despite the clashes, protests resumed in the evening.

Accusations Against the Professor

AISA’s statement highlighted that the accused professor was not a first-time offender. They cited a similar complaint filed against him in 2021, which, they claimed, was inadequately addressed. The group criticized the ICC for delays in taking action on the current complaint, which they believe exacerbated tensions on campus.

The professor resigned late Wednesday evening amidst mounting pressure from students and faculty members. The resignation marked a victory for the protesters, who had been unwavering in their demand for justice for the victim.

Clashing Narratives: AISA, SFI, and ABVP

While AISA and SFI accused ABVP members of inciting violence, the ABVP firmly denied involvement. SFI’s statement alleged, “Members of the ABVP, some of whom were from outside the college, attacked protesting students. They beat common students with sticks and flower pots. A third-year student was gravely injured and had to be hospitalized.”

ABVP Delhi State Secretary Harsh Attri dismissed these claims, labeling them as baseless. Attri stated, “A few left-inclined professors heckled ABVP volunteers who were trying to reach the Dean Students’ Welfare (DSW) office to protest. They shielded the accused and intimidated students. We have been fighting since last month to secure justice for the victim.”

Faculty Perspectives

Faculty members voiced mixed reactions to the day’s events. While some condemned the violence, others stressed the importance of addressing the root issue. One faculty member from the English Department reportedly faced harassment during the protests, according to AISA’s statement. Another faculty member emphasized the need for constructive dialogue to ensure justice for the victim and maintain campus harmony.

The Role of the ICC

The Internal Complaints Committee came under scrutiny for its handling of the case. Students criticized the delay in addressing the complaint, which they believe allowed tensions to escalate. AISA’s statement underlined the need for timely action in such cases to prevent further distress for the victim and the college community.

Conclusion

The protests at Ramjas College underscore the importance of creating a safe and responsive environment for students and staff. While the professor’s resignation marks a step toward justice, the incident highlights systemic issues in addressing sexual harassment cases. The college administration, along with the ICC, faces the critical task of rebuilding trust among students and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future. The events of Wednesday serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for robust mechanisms to address grievances and maintain campus safety.