Gargi College Mass Molestation: DCW Summons Principal, Asks Her To Appear Before It On February 13

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Monday summoned principal of Gargi College Promila Kumar, asking her to appear before it on February 13 at 2 pm in connection with the alleged molestation of students during a cultural festival on the campus last week. The summon was issued hours after DCW chief Swati Maliwal visited the Gargi College to take note of the situation regarding the incident.

The incident came to light after some students of the Delhi University's Gargi College took to Instagram to narrate their unpleasant experiences during the February 6 college fest. The students alleged that a group of men gatecrashed the event and molested them.

Earlier in the day, the Delhi Police registered a case in connection with the molestation allegations. The police said they have received a complaint from the college authorities.

A case has been registered at the Hauz Khas police station under IPC sections 452 (House-trespass after preparation for hurt, assault or wrongful restraint), 354 (Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention).

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said misbehaviour with the women students was “extremely unfortunate” and the accused must be given stringent punishment.

Also Read | Gargi College Harassment: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Demands ‘Harshest Possible’ Punishment For Culprits

The students, who held a protest on Monday, alleged that the intruders groped and dragged girls and performed obscene acts, while security and police personnel stood there like mute spectators.

“The misbehaviour with our daughters at Gargi College is extremely unfortunate. This cannot be tolerated at all. The culprits should be given stringent punishment. It should be ensured that the children studying in our colleges are safe,” Kejriwal said in a tweet.

His deputy Manish Sisodia also took to Twitter to condemn the incident. “What happened in Gargi festival is disgusting! Such festivals are opportunities to celebrate the cultural diversity & talent in Delhi. But the obvious anti-social elements saw this festival as another chance to inflict harassment & violence on students!” he said.

Also Read | Delhi: Students ‘Groped’, ‘Molested' By Group Of Men During Gargi College Fest

Talking to reporters, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said it is shameful that such an incident took place in the national capital. “BJP has 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', is this the way they (Centre) will save girls. Professors, students are writing on social media. What is the police doing,” he asked.

According to the students, the college management did not take any action even after the matter was reported to it on February 7, prompting them to take to social media to narrate their ordeal.

The students alleged that Rapid Action Force and Delhi Police personnel were deployed close to the college gate from where some of the men entered the college, but they did nothing to control the unruly crowd. 

(With PTI inputs)