Haryana shocker: Outrage at MDU Rohtak after women sanitation workers allegedly forced to undress, prove menstruation
PTC Web Desk: Massive protests erupted at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak, Haryana, after several women sanitation workers alleged that their supervisors forced them to undress and get their sanitary napkins photographed to prove they were menstruating.
According to reports, the shocking incident occurred on October 26 when a few women staffers arrived late for duty. Upon being questioned, they explained that they were unwell due to their menstrual cycles. However, the supervisors, identified as Vinod and Jitendra , allegedly accused them of lying and demanded proof.
The women claimed that the two men instructed another female employee to take them to a washroom and click photos of their sanitary pads to “confirm” their menstrual cycle. “They said we should click photos of our private parts as proof. When two of us refused, we were threatened with dismissal and verbally abused,” one of the women told The Indian Express.
The incident sparked widespread outrage among other sanitation workers and students. Protests broke out on the university campus, with demonstrators demanding strict action against the accused. The women workers and students reportedly shared photos and videos of the incident with the Haryana State Women Commission.
An FIR has been filed against the two supervisors under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for offences, including sexual harassment, use of criminal force with intent to disrobe, assault, criminal intimidation and outraging the modesty of a woman, confirmed Roshan Lal, Station House Officer at PGIMS police station.
MDU Registrar Krishnan Kant said an internal inquiry had been initiated. “Those found guilty will not be spared,” he assured.
In an official statement, the university condemned the incident, reiterating that “any act compromising women’s safety and dignity will not be tolerated.”
- With inputs from agencies
