The Shreemati Nathibai Damodar Thackersey (SNDT) Women’s University management has set up an inquiry committee to investigate an incident of alleged harassment of a girl at the Juhu campus hostel by the superintendent that led to a students’ protest on Sunday.
A 19-year-old student was allegedly asked by the hostel warden, Rachna Zaveri, to strip and show the skin infection she was suffering from in front of a few girls. The girl was wearing clothes as instructed by her doctor and Ms. Zaveri had objected to her choice of clothing.
The superintendent was suspended with immediate effect from October 15. An FIR was filed against Ms. Zaveri at the Santacruz police station under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code for assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty on Sunday.
SNDT vice-chancellor Shashikala Wanjari informed the media that an emergency management council meeting was held on October 16 to deal with the complaint by a student and the Juhu hostel students’ group against Ms. Zaveri.
In the management council meeting held on Tuesday, a decision to constitute an inquiry committee comprising six experts to investigate the matter was taken. The committee is headed by a retired judge and includes a retired police official, a non-governmental organisation member, an advocate, a member of the students’ council and a nominee of the State Governor.
“We had specially requested the members of the committee to look into the matter as it is a serious incident and we want to take every possible action in favour of the girls,” said Ms. Wanjari. The vice-chancellor assured that the inquiry committee will follow due procedure. “The committee has been constituted as per Maharashtra University Act, and everything will be governed by the Act.” Ms. Wanjari also said during the inquiry, students as well as the faculty will be questioned and grievances of students other than those related to the incident will also be taken into account.
Sensing the need to make students and faculty more aware about various issues, the management of the women’s university plans to organise workshops as well. “After this incident we feel there is a need for sensitisation,” Ms. Wanjari said.
Addressing concerns over possible infections from food and water served in the university, the vice-chancellor said the report of every test is displayed on the notice board. “We are the only university to have a reputed testing laboratory, the Ramkrishna Bajaj Consumer Education And Testing Centre, on campus. Food and beverage companies from outside come here for testing,” she said.
