PTC News Desk: A massive protest has erupted at SR Gudlavalleru Engineering College in Andhra Pradesh's Krishna district after reports surfaced about a hidden camera allegedly being found inside a girls' hostel washroom. The female students complained to Mines Minister K. Ravindra on Friday, accusing the college management of attempting to cover up the incident and threatening those who tried to report it.
The protests began on Thursday night and have continued, with hundreds of students demanding justice and strict action against those responsible for installing the camera and circulating the footage.
The students expressed their grievances to Minister K. Ravindra, who visited the college along with the district collector and superintendent of police, following directives from Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
According to a report by News18, the Andhra Pradesh Police have identified and detained the suspect, Vijay, who is also a student at the college. Police seized his laptop and discovered nearly 300 obscene videos. It is suspected that these videos were sold to other students and circulated among the boys.
Key Updates on the Hidden Camera Incident at SR Gudlavalleru Engineering College:
- Discovery of Hidden Camera: A hidden camera was allegedly found inside the campus hostel of Gudlavalleru College of Engineering by one of the students, as reported by India Today.
- Student Protests: Hundreds of students have gathered at the college, demanding justice and strict action against those involved in placing the hidden camera and distributing the videos.
- Boycott of Classes: The students have vowed not to attend classes until their demands are met, with Minister K. Ravindra assuring them that the truth would be uncovered and the culprits punished.
- Chief Minister's Response: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu discussed the issue with district officials and ordered an inquiry into the allegations of hidden cameras being found in the girls' washroom.
- Call for Evidence: The Chief Minister has urged students to come forward with any evidence they might have regarding the incident.
- Police Denial: The police, however, have stated that no hidden cameras were found in the girls' hostel washroom. An official statement mentioned, "No hidden cameras were found in the girls' hostel. No evidence was found. There is no need for the girls to worry over this issue." It was added that the police checked laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets of the suspects in the presence of students and college staff.
- Investigation Measures: Krishna district Superintendent of Police Gangadhar Rao informed PTI that confidence-building measures have been initiated, and a special team has been formed to investigate the allegations. An inspector has been appointed as the special investigation officer, along with a five-member police technical investigation team.
- Ongoing Probe: The police are investigating whether any videos were circulated and have confiscated the electronic gadgets of two students for examination.
- Government Inquiry: Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh has also ordered an inquiry into the alleged incident.
- Political Reactions: YS Sharmila Reddy, chief of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee, expressed outrage over the incident and demanded immediate action against the culprits and the college management.
As the investigation continues, students and authorities alike await clarity on the incident, with heightened demands for accountability and justice.
- With inputs from agencies
