The Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University in Wardha is once again embroiled in controversy after more than 100 staff members, students, and others, including women, received obscene videos and photographs in APK file format from the WhatsApp account of a technical assistant.
Student Outrage and University Response
Following the incident, student organizations expressed strong anger and demanded strict action against the employee concerned. The university administration convened an urgent meeting of the women grievance redressal committee to address the matter. Complaints were also reportedly submitted to senior officials.
Suspension of Employee
Amid the allegations, the university registrar suspended the employee from whose WhatsApp account the objectionable images were sent. However, the employee has lodged a complaint with the cyber cell, claiming his WhatsApp account was hacked and that someone else circulated the videos and photographs.
Employee's Defense
In his submission to the university, the employee stated, "I am physically disabled (divyang), and a conspiracy is being hatched to mentally harass me. On May 15, at around 4:46 pm, my WhatsApp account was hacked. Following this, I was automatically logged out from both my mobile phone and computer. Messages were then sent through WhatsApp to all the contact numbers saved on my phone."
The employee informed registrar Kadar Nawaz Khan and finance officer P Sardar Singh about the incident. He said the registrar instructed him to immediately file an online complaint on the cybercrime portal and mentioned that CCTV footage could also be examined.
Subsequently, the employee reached the Superintendent of Police office and lodged an online First Information Report (FIR), after which the cyber cell restored his account. The employee alleged that, without any investigation or verifying facts, he was suspended on May 15.
Ongoing Investigation
The university administration is yet to comment on the employee's claims. The cyber cell is investigating the matter, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
