Congress Accuses Gujarat University of Inaction in Caste-Based Assault Case
The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has leveled serious allegations against the Central University of Gujarat, claiming a student faced a caste-based attack on its hostel premises and that university authorities have failed to respond to his complaints for over a week. The incident has ignited a fierce debate about student safety and administrative accountability on campus.
Details of the Alleged Assault
According to Congress spokesperson Parthivraj Kathwadia, the victim is a first-year BA student in social management residing at the Sabarmati Hostel on the university's Kundhela campus in Vadodara. The complaint states that on the night of January 26, at approximately 11 PM, a group of more than 30 students gathered outside his hostel room.
"The student alleges he was physically assaulted and subjected to caste-based abuses in a public setting," Kathwadia explained. "He reported that security guards and hostel caretakers were present on campus during the incident, yet no immediate intervention occurred."
Congress Questions Campus Security Protocols
The GPCC has raised pointed questions regarding the university's security measures. Kathwadia highlighted that hostel rules prohibit late-night entry after 10 PM, demanding to know how such a large group gained access to the premises.
- How did over 30 students enter the hostel after curfew hours?
- Why did on-duty security personnel not intervene during the assault?
- What steps has the administration taken to review and strengthen campus safety protocols?
Alleged Administrative Inaction and Victim Blaming
The Congress claims the student promptly sent detailed emails about the incident to multiple university authorities, including the provost, vice-chancellor, dean, and the anti-ragging committee helpline. "Despite these formal complaints, no disciplinary or legal action has been initiated even after more than a week," Kathwadia stated.
Furthermore, Kathwadia alleged that available CCTV footage from cameras near the assault site has not been acted upon. He criticized the university's approach, claiming the victim is being questioned "as if he were the accused" rather than receiving proper support and protection.
Demands for Legal Clarity and Accountability
The GPCC has called for immediate clarity on how the case will be legally pursued. They demand to know whether it will be addressed under:
- Anti-ragging provisions to combat student harassment.
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to address caste-based discrimination.
The Congress has questioned both the university administration and the state government, emphasizing the need for transparent accountability and swift justice to ensure such incidents are not repeated. This case underscores broader concerns about caste discrimination and safety in educational institutions across Gujarat.
