Chennai’s Sri Ramaswamy Memorial (SRM) Institute of Science and Technology had seen massive protest by students when the hostel warden shamed a victim who was sexually harassed. The victim who is a second-year undergraduate student complained that a man masturbated in front of her inside the women’s hostel lift. When she reported the issue to the warden of her hostel, she was told to change her clothes. Angry protest shook the institute which is located on the outskirts of Chennai. Reportedly, the alleged man who turned out to be an employee was arrested by the police. SRM University Staff Masturbates in Front of 2nd Year Student, Students Stage Protest Over 'Inaction' by Varsity. 

Now, as per the recent report, the varsity suspended the hostel warden for her insensitive behaviour and shaming the victim by saying she was wearing “inappropriate clothes.” According to The New Indian Express, the arrest action against the warden came a day after the massive protests which occurred outside the university campus. A statement released by SRM Institute reads, “Seeking the consent of the parents resulted in a slight delay in lodging a complaint with the police, during which students became restless. Subsequently, the institution lodged a complaint with the police who swung into action and arrested the culprit around 3.30 am. Following the incident, a committee looked into the issue and subsequently, the warden was suspended. It is also looking into measures for strengthening safety and security of the students on the campus.” SNDT Hostel Warden in Mumbai Forces Female Student to Strip, Students Protest. 

The alleged incident took place on November 22. The worker unzipped his pant and began to stimulate himself in front of the student and also prevented her from getting out of the elevator. The accused is identified as Arjunan Subramanian, who is engaged on contract with the university to collect food waste from the mess. Besides, the girls residing in the campus hostel has complained earlier about the workers peeping through the windows of the hostel where the girls would be sleeping. They requested to allot “two lifts for the workers and six for the students.” Yet, no action was taken.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 24, 2018 12:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).