Women Sanitation Workers Allege Harassment at Rohtak's Maharshi Dayanand University Over Menstruation Proof

An extremely disturbing case in Maharshi Dayanand university (MDU) has thrown the society into a state of shock and cast grave doubts on the dignity of jobs and gender sensitivity at the workplace. On October 26, 2025, several female sanitation workers who work at MDU claimed that their male supervisors compelled them to give them photographic evidence of their menstruation in order to excuse absences and late reporting.

The sanitation workers claimed that they were summoned on their weekly day off to clean the campus in advance before the visit of Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh. A number of the women complained about having menstrual problems and asked to take leave, yet the supervisors did not believe them. The supervisors were named Vinod Kumar Hooda and Vitender Kumar who required proof of menstrual cycle (blood stained pads) and in certain instances were reported to have ordered workers to strip off their clothes or to get other female workers examine and photograph the pads for confirmation.

One of the complainants alleged, “We told them we were unwell and couldn’t work fast. Then both of them asked us to click photos of our sanitary pads to prove that we were on our periods.” 

Women in their complaint stated clearly, "They said you click photos of your private parts as proof so that the menstrual cycle can be confirmed, When two of us refused to follow the instructions, we were abused and threatened with dismissal." They also said, "Under pressure, two women went to the washroom and provided the photos. When we asked them why they were acting this way, they said they were following the orders of Assistant Registrar Shyam Sundar." 

The incident sparked protests by the affected workers, students, and campus staff. The movement was growing on social media where hashtags calling for women worker dignity were trending across the country. The degrading request was denounced by activists and other people in the limelight of society as an extreme infringement of the privacy and dignity of women.

The authorities at the university responded promptly, by suspending both the supervisors, and launching an internal investigation under the head of the Chemistry Department, Dr. Sapna Garg. Registrar Krishan Kant confirmed that the complaint has been received and that an inquiry has been initiated. “Action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said.

The Haryana Police had prepared an FIR against the accused supervisors and assistant registrar Shyam Sundar against section of sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, and assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a woman. Shyam Sundar has also rejected the request for photographic evidence.

The Haryana State Commission for Women took suo motu cognizance, with Chairperson Renu Bhatia calling the incident “deeply disturbing.” The commission demanded detailed investigation reports and assured support and protection to the victims.

Although the accusations and suspended employees are grave, there is still no arrest yet, which elicits more shouts of local Dalit groups and human rights organizations to seek justice and systemic changes.

As soon as the incident was posted on social media, the post went viral. Netizens are deeply criticising the incident and are questioning the mindset of educators and people working in the universities. Comments are flooding the posts related to this incident with some highlighting the fact saying “many don’t use pads,” “it’s shameful,” and demanding immediate suspension.  

It is the social dynamics surrounding the issue of menstrual stigma in Rohtak that have now been revealed, and the campus community has largely remained silent on the issue challenging the long standing taboos regarding menstruation.

The case shows the necessity of sensitivity training, robust protections for vulnerable workers, and a social transformation in terms of female health and dignity at the workplace.