IP College case: Students demand principal’s resignation

Several students, along with members of the All India Students Association, had gathered outside the college gates on Wednesday, demanding safety and action against the harassers, but claimed they were detained by police. Police said the protesters were simply removed, not detained.

Later, a group of students submitted a memorandum to the principal, asking that the administration push police to identify and take strict action against the accused, and the administration take accountability of the injuries sustained by students and ensure their security. The memorandum also demanded that the principal resign and apologise for “locking women in hostels as men tried to scale the boundary walls”.

Recounting the events of Tuesday, students alleged that as the performer at the event entered, a stampede ensued and men scaled the walls. Several women were allegedly harassed and injured. “Many men were seen climbing the wall of the campus. Soon after, a video of them harassing, groping, and eve-teasing students was circulated. Instead of taking action against them, the college authority locked up the hostel inmates,” alleged Anjali, a former IP College student and AISA’s DU unit secretary.

Next morning, students gathered outside the college to stage a protest. “Two buses and some police vans were there and they started putting up barricades. Police dragged us into the van, injuring many, and took us to Burari and Civil Lines police stations, where they held us for 45 minutes,” alleged Ayisha, a third-year student.

Another student, Tanvi, who claimed she was detained, said police did not take any action against the men: “Police merely escorted them out of the gate on Tuesday….”

Principal Kumria could not be reached for comment.

On the students’ claims, DCP (North) Sagar Singh Kalsi said, “Protesters were there for around 30-50 minutes. Later, they were asked to disperse as they had no permission… The protest was unlawful. They didn’t move and later personnel had to come to remove them. Nobody was detained and no force was used… Over 26 persons were removed.”

– Eunisa is an intern with The Indian Express, Delhi.