A student leader at Jadavpur University has been accused of molesting two female students on campus. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, has led to an investigation by the varsity’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Acting Vice Chancellor Bhaskar Gupta has assured that necessary action will be taken against the accused.
The student has filed a complaint, saying she and a friend were sexually harassed near gate number four of the university on Wednesday night. She has called for punishment for the accused.
“A student leader associated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), sexually harassed me and a friend of mine on campus at night,” she told India Today. “Another junior of mine was molested in front of my eyes. I have no personal contact with that student leader. Despite this, he has made me uncomfortable several times before. I want the university authorities to take appropriate action against him,” she added.
The university’s internal committee is investigating the incident.
Gupta told India Today, “The student has filed a complaint. A complaint has also been submitted to the ICC. This is a social issue. It has been reported that CCTV cameras are installed on campus, but such incidents cannot be prevented by CCTV alone. The individuals who commit such acts are disturbed. Nothing good can be expected from them. The ICC will investigate the matter and take necessary action.”
Footage of the incident was shared on social media by the female student. It shows a young man hugging a woman in front of gate number four.
The student who was molested dismissed the notion that surveillance cameras alone could prevent such crimes. Speaking on the incident, the student said, “CCTV doesn’t stop anyone from molestation, but yes, we can recognise the accused. But this doesn’t mean CCTV will stop this kind of criminal offence.”
Meanwhile, SFI’s Jadavpur University unit, in a press statement, has clarified that the accused has not been a member since January 28, 2025, though no reason was given for his removal.
The accused has denied the allegations. “I have not molested anyone. I want a full inquiry. They want to malign the name of SFI, but I am not associated with SFI for the last 10 days,” he said.