Students at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Tiruchirappalli staged a protest from Thursday night until Friday noon (August 29-30) after a female student was allegedly sexually harassed by a WiFi technician in her hostel room.
The incident occurred in one of the Opal girls' hostels when the technician, G Kathiresan, who was contracted to fix a technical issue, reportedly flashed the student and made lewd gestures. A complaint was lodged with the Thiruverumbur All Women Police Station, leading to Kathiresan's arrest and subsequent imprisonment in Tiruchy Central Prison.
The protest highlighted student dissatisfaction with the administration's handling of the incident. According to a report by The New Indian Express, students accused the college authorities and hostel staff of mishandling the situation and neglecting security concerns. The warden later issued a public apology following the intervention of institute officials and the superintendent of police, Tiruchy.
Students demanded improved security measures, including functional CCTVs and a more significant presence of female staff in hostels. They also called for male workers to accompany female staff when entering female-only areas. Despite the administration's promise of stricter safety protocols, students argued these measures were insufficient. They criticized existing regulations, like curfews and dress codes, which they said contribute to victim-blaming rather than ensuring safety. They urged the institution to establish a sexual harassment cell and create a safer, more supportive environment for all students.
