An assistant professor from the Electrical Engineering Department at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar was apprehended on Friday, March 21, 2025, following serious allegations of sexual harassment made by a female student. The incident has not only raised alarm bells regarding safety in educational institutions but also sparked significant student protests on campus.
Cachar Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta confirmed the arrest of D. Koteswara Raju, who has been with the institute since 2018. The police intervention came after two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) were filed — one by the victim and the other by her family members. According to police officer reports, Raju attempted to lock himself inside his quarters to evade arrest, but police tracked his mobile phone and apprehended him around 5:30 p.m.
The allegations against Raju detail a troubling scenario. The female student claimed that he summoned her to his office under the pretext of discussing her academic performance, after which he allegedly required her to lock the door. She stated that instead of a discussion on her marks, Raju proceeded to touch her inappropriately, creating an atmosphere of intimidation and fear.
In the words of the victim, "He questioned me why I receive worse grades and requested me to sit next to him. He began to touch my fingers and grip my hands. Then he slowly grasped my thighs. I began to cry, but he persisted." Disturbingly, she noted that he played offensive music during the ordeal while attempting to physically manipulate and harass her further.
Following the complaint, NIT Silchar's administration took immediate action, suspending Raju on the same day the complaint was filed. NIT Registrar Ashim Roy stated, "The matter was immediately referred to the Internal Complaints Committee of the institute to inquire into the matter… The departmental chamber where the alleged incident occurred has been sealed." This measure underscores the seriousness with which the institute is treating the allegation, and the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
However, the incident quickly escalated into a larger issue on campus. Students organized protests, demanding the termination of Raju's employment. In a statement regarding campus dynamics post-incident, Prof. Baidya remarked, "Students protested until around 4 a.m., which affected attendance today. However, the situation is now under control." He emphasized that the administration is committed to ensuring the safety of students and returning the campus to normalcy.
The circumstances surrounding the incident at NIT Silchar are not isolated; they reflect a broader conversation about safety and gender issues in institutions of higher learning across India. Following the emergence of the student’s confession letter, which went viral online, public attention intensified, with discussions rapidly expanding beyond the campus to societal implications of power abuse within educational environments.
As the investigation by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) proceeds, the NIT administration is providing necessary support to the complainant to ensure her well-being. Meanwhile, student reactions suggest a heightened awareness and willingness to address such allegations openly. A student involved in the protests stated, "This behavior should never be tolerated; we need to safeguard our peers from such predicaments."
This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students. NIT Silchar, amid this trying time, finds itself at a pivotal moment that could redefine its stance on harassment policies, thus potentially becoming a model for other institutions dealing with similar issues.
In conclusion, the arrest of Professor Raju for alleged harassment has heightened the need for systemic changes within educational frameworks, paving the way for a more transparent and empathetic approach towards handling complaints of sexual misconduct. The incident not only reflects failures within an institution but also requires a societal commitment to confronting and rectifying these glaring issues head-on.
