BENGALURU: Hundreds of students studying at Maharani’s Arts & Commerce College for Women broke down in front of the head of the State Women’s Commission, at their college premises on Monday. The commission head Nagalakshmi Bai visited the college after receiving a letter written by over 45 students saying that they were being harassed on campus by a man who claims to be an RTI activist. Students, on Monday, spoke to her in detail about the ordeal they were facing.
According to students, Navin Kumar, who claims to be an RTI activist, has been staying on the campus. Kumar is alleged to have captured photos of students and teachers on his mobile and to have video recorded their movements. During her visit, Nagalakshmi Bai checked the footage from CCTVs installed in the campus and hostel premises, and verified complaints by the students. He allegedly used to go around ladies’ hostel on the campus even during night hours.
According to the students, around 45 pleas have reached State Women’s Commission from them, asking for this man to be ousted from the college campus, but nothing worked in their favour. They added that Kumar infringed on their privacy. An official from the college said, “The tender for the campus canteen was given to someone else. But Kumar threatened the person and did not let him enter the campus. Now, Kumar is running the canteen and he has even made a small place for himself inside the campus.”
An admin official said, “He does not even take permission while entering the staff room or the principal’s chamber. He barges in with a set of papers and questions the principal if she is eligible to be one.”
On Monday, along with Women’s Commission chief, the Assistant Commissioner of Police High Grounds station visited the college to address the grievances of the students.
Nagalakshmi Bai, chairperson of the commission, said, “We have received 45 letters from students and the principal. We have received a complaint stating that he harassed teachers and students. We will take support of the police and conduct an inquiry.”
A student said, “The canteen is very unhygienic and we have reported this many times. More than that, he (Kumar) is rude to us. We have told the principal and officials about these issues.”
College officials also said that this issue was reported to the police in May and no action was initiated. Even when the previous commissioner for collegiate education was in position, the letters were sent to the commission and the police five times.
In-charge Principal of the college Prof Renuka said, “I reported to the college as In-charge Principal only four months ago. The day I got to know about the issue, I brought it to the notice of the department officials, the women’s commission and also to the police officials concerned.” However, no formal police complaint has been filed.
KUMAR'S DEFENCE
Navin Kumar, who is facing allegations, said he was being targeted because he had sought some information through RTI about the irregularities in the accounts department of the college. An officer from High Grounds police station said, “There was a verbal duel between the principal and Kumar as he did not get a reply from the college authorities for his RTI petition. Then he had approached the court to seek proper action against the principal. As no one has filed a case against Kumar, we cannot investigate.”