A shocking incident has come to light from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar, where an assistant professor has been accused of sexually harassing a female student. The case has sparked massive protests on campus, prompting swift action from the administration. Here’s everything you need to know about the case, the student protests, and the actions taken so far.
🔍 What Happened?
According to reports, the incident occurred on March 20, 2025, when Dr. D. Koteswara Raju, an assistant professor at NIT Silchar, allegedly molested a female student in his office.
- The student was called to his cabin under the pretext of discussing her low marks.
- In a written complaint to the institute authorities, the student detailed the horrifying experience:
“He asked me to sit beside him… and asked me why I get less marks. He started holding my hands and touching my fingers. He then gradually held my thighs. He then started playing vulgar songs on his computer in front of me… touched my stomach and rubbed my stomach. I started crying, but he did not stop. He asked me to feel comfortable and spread my legs properly. He then grabbed my neck from behind and kept holding it,” the letter, which has gone viral, states.
- The student managed to escape when she received a phone call from a friend, giving her an opportunity to leave the room.
This disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through the institution, leading to massive outrage among students and faculty members.
🚨 Student Protests and Campus Outrage
The incident triggered widespread protests across the NIT Silchar campus, with students demanding strict action against the accused professor.
- Hundreds of students gathered outside the administrative office, chanting slogans and holding placards calling for justice.
- The protest continued throughout the night, with students refusing to back down until the administration assured them of a proper investigation.
- Many students also took to social media to express their anger and frustration, urging authorities to take swift action.
The protests highlighted the lack of strong measures against such misconduct in educational institutions and brought the issue of student safety to the forefront.
🏢 Action Taken by NIT Silchar Administration
Following the intense protests, the NIT Silchar administration acted quickly:
✅ Immediate Suspension – The accused professor Dr. D. Koteswara Raju was suspended pending an investigation.
✅ Internal Inquiry – The institute’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been assigned to investigate the allegations.
✅ Police Involvement – The professor was arrested and taken to Silchar Sadar Police Station for further questioning.
✅ Assurance to Students – The administration has assured students that justice will be served and strict action will be taken if the professor is found guilty.
⚠️ Past Allegations Against the Professor
Shockingly, this is not the first time such allegations have surfaced against the same professor.
- In 2021, a similar complaint was filed against him by another student, but due to lack of evidence and the student’s decision not to pursue the case, it was eventually dismissed.
- This time, however, the strong student movement and media coverage have ensured that authorities cannot ignore the matter.
This raises concerns about how many such cases go unreported due to fear, pressure, or lack of action by authorities.
💼 What Happens Next?
With the investigation underway, there are a few possible outcomes:
🔹 If found guilty, the professor could face termination from NIT Silchar and legal action under Indian law.
🔹 The case could set a precedent for how sexual harassment cases are handled in educational institutions.
🔹 Stricter anti-harassment policies and student protection measures may be implemented at NIT Silchar and other institutions.
🌟 The Bigger Issue: Student Safety in Educational Institutions
This case is yet another example of how sexual harassment remains a serious problem in educational institutions.
🚫 Many students fear speaking up due to possible backlash, character assassination, or inaction by authorities.
🚫 There is a lack of proper support systems in many universities to help victims seek justice.
🚫 Strict anti-harassment policies, counseling, and awareness programs are essential to ensure safer campuses.
✊ Conclusion: A Fight for Justice
The NIT Silchar sexual harassment case has shed light on the urgent need for stronger action against misconduct in educational institutions. The student protests have forced the administration to take action, but the real test lies in ensuring that justice is served and that such incidents do not happen again.
This case is not just about one professor or one university—it’s about ensuring that students feel safe, respected, and protected in their learning environments.
🚨 What do you think? Should educational institutions implement stricter policies to tackle harassment? Let us know in the comments! ⬇️💬
