Nirma University students hold ‘Black Day’ protest over indecent act by worker

Ahmedabad: More than 1,000 students of Nirma University staged a protest on the campus on Thursday, wearing black clothes and carrying placards to condemn an alleged indecent act by a construction worker at a girls’ hostel construction site.

The protest comes days after a video allegedly showing the worker engaging in an obscene act while working at the under-construction girls’ hostel building went viral on social media. Female students residing in the in-campus hostel had brought the matter to the university authorities’ attention.

Following the students’ complaint, Nirma University officials approached the police, alleging indecent exposure by a construction worker. The Sola police have launched an inquiry into the matter. Police officials said they are currently verifying the allegations and gathering details about the incident. No FIR has been registered so far.

As part of the inquiry, police are expected to examine CCTV footage and record statements from the complainant and other students who may have witnessed the incident. They will also ascertain the identity of the accused and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police said further action would be taken based on the findings of the inquiry.

 

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Students allege lack of action

According to students, the incident took place near H-4, where the girls’ hostel is located, while construction work was underway at the adjacent H-5 block. The students said they recorded a video of the alleged incident and submitted a complaint to the university.

Students claimed that instead of taking visible action against the worker, the university installed green netting around the girls’ hostel. They also alleged that a security guard had commented on the clothes worn by some of the girls who complained about the incident.

The allegations have also triggered concerns among students over safety and security on the campus.

Students launch social media campaign

A social media campaign was also launched to draw attention to the matter. An Instagram page was created, with students urging others to join the campaign.

As part of the campaign, students were asked to observe October 1 as a ‘Black Day’ and wear black clothes to condemn the alleged incident and express their concerns over the university’s handling of the matter.

On Thursday morning, students gathered on the campus carrying placards and raising their concerns. Several female students also joined the protest, holding placards with different messages.

NSUI seeks swift action

Meanwhile, extending support to the protesting students, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) demanded swift action in the matter and called for steps to ensure the safety and security of female students on the campus.

The police inquiry into the complaint is currently underway, and further action is expected based on its findings. DeshGujarat