The alleged assault of a medical student after she left the Manipal University library at around 11.30 p.m. on Thursday have jolted the student community at the varsity. Many women students expressed their concern and demanded more security and enhanced patrolling on campus at night.
The girl has been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of Kasturba Hospital and is in a state of shock.
According to the police, the girl had been trying to hail an autorickshaw to reach her place of residence outside the university campus, when she was assaulted by the driver and his associates.
Lim Set Lu, a first-year dental student from Malaysia, told presspersons that she was worried. “I have had a comfortable stay here for the last 11 months. But, I have to stay here for four more years. Security should be increased on the campus,” she said.
On the other hand, Roshani Mistry, a yoga student at the university, said security on the university campus was good right through the academic year.
However, during vacations, a lot of local people enter the campus. “More security should be provided during vacations,” she said.
Varthika Agarwal, a third-year medical student, said since the university library was closer to the women’s hostel, all girls had assumed it to be a safe place.
The university guards are always present there. Many students study in the library till 11.30 p.m. during examinations. “It is surprising that such an incident took place. I will be cautious from now on,” she said.
Sakila, also a medical student, said there should be more control over the autorickshaw services and guards should be more alert.
“There should be more patrolling at night. Women students should either go out in groups or with their male classmates,” she said.
‘Frightening’
Akanksha, a final-year BDS student, said while hostels had adequate security, the same could not be said about the university campus. “The incident is frightening. I will be scared to come out of the hostel at night,” she said.
