DCW Launches Probe Into Sexual Harassment Cases During College Fests, Summons Police, Varsity Officials

The commission has summoned police and Delhi University officials to furnish details regarding the guidelines and systems they have established to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

DCW on Monday launched an investigation into the recurring incidents of sexual harassment against female students

Source : PTI

New Delhi: The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Monday launched an investigation into the recurring incidents of sexual harassment against female students during college fests, reported news agency ANI.

The commission has summoned officials from the Delhi Police and Delhi University to furnish details regarding the guidelines and systems they have established to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

DCW launches an enquiry into repeated cases of sexual harassment with girls during college fests, summons Delhi Police and Delhi University officials to appear before the commission with details of guidelines and systems that they have built to ensure such cases will never happen… pic.twitter.com/aR5xIrtPf9

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2023

The notice was issued by the DCW after reports of similar incidents surfaced from Delhi's Gargi College, Miranda House, and most recently from the Indraprastha College for Women.

"These incidents are emerging repeatedly in colleges of Delhi University which raise serious concerns regarding the safety of girl students therein, especially during college fests," it said.

The commission said that it has "decided to conduct an enquiry into the steps being taken by Delhi University to ensure safety and security of girls inside the campus especially during college fests."

Last week, DCW had issued a notice to Delhi Police and Indraprastha (IP) College principal after reports of sexual harassment with students surfaced during a fest organised in the college.

It was reported that some boys entered the college during a fest organized therein and harassed the girls. Also, the boys allegedly tried to enter the hostel of the girl students.

The Commission demanded a copy of the FIR registered in the matter along with details of the accused arrested.

It also sought details of security arrangements made by Delhi Police and college authorities during the fest.

"The Commission has sought an explanation for the lapse in security during the fest along with details of action taken against persons responsible for the lapse in security. The commission has asked the college and police to provide copies of communication made in this regard. The Commission has sought an action taken report by April 3," it said.

DCW chief Maliwal stated, "The incident is extremely unfortunate. We have seen a number of cases in the past wherein girl students have been harassed by antisocial elements who have forcibly entered colleges, especially during the fest. I have issued notices to Delhi Police and college authorities."