Girl Sexually Harassed by Electrician at NIT Trichy, Students Blame Warden for Victim-Shaming

Tiruchirapalli: A young girl studying at National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Tiruchirapalli, was sexually harassed by an electrician.

The incident triggered student protests who alleged that the college and hostel authorities of NIT Trichy asked the victim to not file an FIR.

NIT Trichy: Girl Sexually Harassed by Electrician

The girl has alleged that an electrician, hired at a contractual basis by the college flashed his genitals in front of her and also masturbated.

The electrician came to the room of the student on Thursday morning to fix the wi-fi connection and is alleged to have stripped before her and masturbated.

The victim, who is said to have clicked pictures of the offender before he managed to escape, raised an alarm immediately following which more than 500+ students came to her support.

The victim is a B.Tech final year student.

Accused Arrested, Students Blame Warden of Victim-Shaming'

While the electrician was arrested and sent to judicial custody by Tiruchirapalli Police based on a complaint filed by the student, it is alleged that the hostel warden shamed the victim.

The warden commented on the victim's choice of dress and appeared to blame her for the incident asking 'Why was she wearing a skirt and not a proper pant?".

She also asked the survivor to not make it a “big issue.”

Another person from the hostel authorities also blamed the victim stating that 'no girl would sit inside the room, when a man comes to do some job'.

Students Protest at NIT Trichy, Put Forth These Demands

The students protesting against this incident have put forth the following demands-

1. Immediate Removal of Warden: The warden's dismissive attitude towards the complaint was a significant concern. Students demanded that the warden be removed to ensure the safety and well-being of female students.
2. Legal Action Against Accused: The students insisted on swift and transparent legal action against the contract staff member who was accused of the harassment.
3. Enhanced Safety Measures: The students called for stricter safety protocols within the hostel, including better supervision and policies to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The local police has assured the students that immediate action would be taken, including the arrest of the accused, and that a female officer would handle the investigation to protect the victim’s identity and ensure a thorough probe.

While the accused has been arrested and is currently in trichy central prison, the students are continuing their fight for justice, not just for the victim but for every student on campus.