The Banaras Hindu University women's rights protest is a series of events beginning with a Banaras Hindu University student's September 2017 complaint that the university administration treated women unfairly.
Banaras Hindu University women's rights protest | |
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Date | September 2017 |
Location |
On 21 September 2017, a woman reported sexual harassment to the university.[1] She claimed that the university responded by blaming her.[1]
The next day, 22 September, students organized a protest against the university's treatment of women.[1]
The university's administration filed a First information report against hundreds of students and alleged outsiders for rioting, mischief indented arson, attempt to murder among other sections of Indian Penal Code.[2]
Police used laathi charge in an attempt to get protesters to disperse the protestors.[3][4] Various protesters reported injuries. Alleged outsiders joined the students in stone-pelting.[5]
Large number of male students joined their female counterparts in protests and silent march against police violence.[6]
The protests in Benares triggered protests in Delhi.[7][better source needed]
At the one year anniversary of the protest students organized another protest.[8] The protesters reported that an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad student group attacked them violently for protesting.[9]
Chief Proctor of the university resigned taking moral responsibility.[10]
Prime Minister Modi discussed a response with the chief minister.[11]
Uttar Pradesh Governor called the incident sad.[5]
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recommended better communication as a way to prevent future such protests, and sought a report from the Divisional commissioner.[12][6]
A committee to look into the protest over an alleged harassment was set-up under Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary.[5]
ABVP and NSUI student groups staged demonstrations in New Delhi against police brutality in BHU.[11]
In May 2018, following-up on an inquiry report, the university administration debarred 11 students on charges of vandalism and assault.[13]
The Station House Officer (police station in-charge/SHO) of Lanka police station, the deputy police superintendent, and three additional city magistrates were transferred or removed.[11]
In view of intelligence reports that brutality on BHU students may spark protests in other universities and colleges, campuses were closed momentarily in the district.[11]