The Manipal University will take immediate measures to beef up security on its campus here against the backdrop of kidnapping and sexual assault of a medical student, which took place on Thursday night.
H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor of Manipal University, told The Hindu on Friday that the university was coordinating with the district police on increasing security on its campus.
He said that the road passing from Anatomy Block to the China Valley via Manipal University Building and the University Library, was a public thoroughfare, which could not be blocked. But the University was planning to have two manned gates at the starting point of the road near the Anatomy Block and its end at the Diana Valley.
Both these gates would be manned by security guards, who would take down the numbers of all vehicles entering the campus. “But this plan is in the initial stages. We are talking to the district police and the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC) on this issue because their nod is necessary”, he said.
The university would also install more Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras on the campus and would also install more street lamps. “We will also have more night patrolling on our campus”, he said.
It was not possible at all for the university to close down its library as a large number of students went there.
He said that the university was shocked that such an incident had taken place. “We had never anticipated this. I have been in Manipal for 10 years and such an incident has never taken place. We have extended full cooperation to the police”, Prof. Ballal said.
Prof. Ballal said that the student, who was sexually assaulted and admitted to Kasturba Hospital, was recovering.
