Banaras Hindu University women's rights protest | |
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Date | September 2017 |
Location |
The Banaras Hindu University women's rights protest was a series of events which began after a Banaras Hindu University student filed a complaint in September 2017 which said that the university administration did not respond appropriately to reports of sexual harassment on campus.
![]() | This section may be unbalanced towards certain viewpoints.(December 2021) |
On 21 September 2017, a woman reported sexual harassment to the university. [1] She claimed that the university responded by blaming her. [1] The next day, 22 September, students organized a protest against the university's treatment of women. [1]
The university's administration filed a First information report against hundreds of students and alleged outsiders for rioting, mischief indented arson, attempt to murder among other sections of Indian Penal Code. [2]
Police used laathi charge in an attempt to get protesters to disperse the protestors. [3] [4] Various protesters reported injuries. Alleged outsiders joined the students in stone-pelting. [5]
Large number of male students joined their female counterparts in protests and silent march against police violence. [6]
At the one year anniversary of the protest students organized another protest. [7] The protesters reported that an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad student group attacked them violently for protesting. [8]
In May 2018, following-up on an inquiry report, the university administration debarred 11 students on charges of vandalism and assault. [9]
The protests in Benares triggered protests in Delhi. [10] [ better source needed ]
ABVP and NSUI student groups staged demonstrations in New Delhi against police brutality in BHU. [11] In view of intelligence reports that brutality on BHU students might spark protests in other universities and colleges, campuses closed temporarily in the district. [11]
Chief Proctor of the university resigned, taking moral responsibility. [12]
Prime Minister Modi discussed a response with the chief minister. [11]
The Governor of Uttar Pradesh called the incident sad. [5] Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recommended better communication as a way to prevent future such protests, and sought a report from the Divisional commissioner. [13] [6] A committee to look into the protest over an alleged harassment was set-up under Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary. [5]
The Station House Officer (police station in-charge/SHO) of Lanka police station, the deputy police superintendent, and three additional city magistrates were transferred or removed. [11]