Anna University has initiated a probe into complaints by students of Sri Sairam Engineering College regarding harsh measures and rules on their campus. On Wednesday, a group of students met senior police officials even as a larger group protested in front of the office of the Commissioner of Police in Egmore.
A senior Anna University official said a special team has been formed to inspect the college. On Tuesday, the police had detained 36 students for protesting near the university.
Students said there was a complete invasion of their privacy on campus.
“Our social media accounts are monitored and we are fined when found talking to girls. There are a number of rules that go against the rights of the student,” a student said, adding they were willing to follow Anna University rules as long at it did not impinge on their rights. Saiprakash Leo Muthu, CEO, Sairam Group of Institutions, said the college would abide by what the university decides.
Meanwhile, the Students’ Federation of India presented a series of demands to the Commissioner on the issue.
Kavita Krishnan, secretary, All India Progressive Women’s Association, also spoke in favour of the students. Terming the behaviour of the college “draconian,” she urged the institution to “stop jailing, torturing and harassing students”.
She added that colleges need to provide a healthy atmosphere to foster creativity and encourage students to come forward with complaints of sexual harassment and violation of privacy.
