There were protests at Chandigarh University, Gharuan, late on Saturday over “rumors” that objectionable videos had been shared between a hosteller and her friend in Shimla.
Under various provisions of the IT Act, the police arrested an MBA first-year student at the university, along with her friend and another person. During the protests, a couple of girls fainted from exhaustion, leading to rumours that eight girls “tried suicide”.
No one attempted suicide, according to the police. In accordance with Section 354-C (voyeurism) and Section 66(E) of the IT Act, the girl and her Shimla-based friend were charged. Investigators are looking into whether money was extorted or a conspiracy took place.
A forensic lab has been sent the girl’s mobile phone and laptop, according to ADGP Gurpreet Kaur Deo. It was claimed that the girl was trying to film other girls in the common washroom, but there is no video to support this claim. A friend of hers had shared the video she had shot. A further investigation is underway.”
Despite police refusing to share details of the incident, a video purporting to show the hostel warden grilling the suspect has gone viral online. A warden appears to have asked the suspect in the video why she made those videos of other girls and with whom she shared them. Punjab State Women Commission Chairperson Manisha Gulati said, “We will investigate the matter, as well as the alleged video featuring the warden.”
Rekha Sharma, the Chairperson of the National Commission for Women, has written to the Punjab DGP asking him to handle the matter strictly. There should be proper counseling for the victims as well as ensuring their safety and security, according to the NCW. According to the sources, the girls recently moved into the building, which was previously a boys’ hostel. Concerns about privacy led to the girls’ relocation.
According to the Chandigarh University Pro-Chancellor, Dr RS Bawa, 60 objectionable MMSes were shared on social media, leading to some girls attempting suicide. The statement is completely false and unfounded. and it is totally unfounded. The university found no video from students, except for a personal video taken by a girl and shared with her boyfriend.”
The matter has been referred to a high-level investigation by CM Bhagwant Mann. “No one will be spared for this heinous crime. Exemplary action will be taken against the perpetrators,” he said
