The recent voyeurism case at a private nursing college in Udupi has stirred public outrage, shedding light on the initial mismanagement of the investigation by the authorities. In the face of mounting pressure from the Akhila Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Commission for Women (NCW), concerns over delayed justice and alleged cover-ups have come to the forefront.
Startling revelations of a similar incident occurring six months ago have further fuelled demands for a thorough and impartial inquiry.
When news broke of three female Muslim students filming a female Hindu student in the college washroom, the public expected swift action from the authorities. However, the initial response left much to be desired as the Police and state Government tried to hush up the incident making it look like a trivial matter.
ABVP, a prominent student organisation, took to the streets to protest what they viewed as the police’s lackadaisical approach to the case. They demanded accountability for the delay in filing the FIR and called for the replacement of the investigating officer, raising questions about the impartiality of the investigation.
During the protest, tensions escalated, and allegations of police brutality surfaced. ABVP activists accused the police of being heavy-handed in their attempt to quell the demonstration. However, timely intervention by BJP MLA Yashpal Suvarna is said to have averted further escalation, urging the Police to refrain from using force against the protestors.
In the wake of the public outcry, SP Akshay Hakay Machindra arrived on the scene to address the concerns of the agitated students. He assured them of a renewed effort to resolve the case promptly and efficiently.
In response to the demands, the investigating officer was changed, and a specialised team was assigned to handle the matter. Furthermore, SP Machindra committed to examining the suspension of the initial investigator, signalling a willingness to address any lapses in the inquiry process.
The involvement of the National Commission for Women (NCW) added another dimension to the case. Member of the NCW, Khushbu Sundar conducted an extensive inquiry that lasted for over five hours, during which she engaged with the victims, college staff, and parents. Emphasising the importance of a thorough investigation, Sundar urged the public to refrain from forming premature conclusions based on speculations and social media rumours.
In a startling twist, new revelations emerged, indicating that a similar incident of voyeurism in the washroom had occurred at the college six months prior. ABVP leaders raised concerns over a potential cover-up of the previous incident, calling for a comprehensive probe into the identities of those involved. This fresh claim has intensified the urgency for an impartial inquiry to bring all responsible parties to justice.
The allegations of a cover-up and the delayed filing of the FIR have sparked scepticism among the public, questioning the transparency of the investigation. Both ABVP and NCW’s involvement, alongside the protestors, has shed light on the need for an unbiased and expeditious resolution to the case. Their efforts to push for accountability and justice have resonated with citizens demanding answers.
As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on ensuring a fair and thorough examination of the evidence and bringing the guilty parties to justice.