The Hindu : Other States / Orissa News : Student unrest breaks out in Sambalpur University

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Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008
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Student unrest breaks out in Sambalpur University

Staff Reporter

Sequel to alleged sexual assault on a fresher

Arrest of four suspects fails to pacify students
DNA test will be conducted if necessary, says SP

BHUBANESWAR: Student unrest broke out in western Orissa towns of Sambalpur and Burla on Monday following alleged sexual assault on a girl studying in Sambalpur University.

Although the district police picked up four persons in connection with the incident, the action failed to pacify students of the premier university of western Orissa and Gangadhar Meher College. They ransacked houses and offices of top authorities, including the Vice-Chancellor and the Registrar of Sambalupur University. Computers worth Rs. 50 lakh were also damaged.

Police had rescued the girl from the Sakhipada area of Sambalpur. She was in a state of shock and was not able to narrate what had happened to her. The girl, who had joined the university only two months ago, was admitted in VSS Medical College at Burla.

The victim’s inner clothes were recovered from the scene while a scientific team was deputed to build up evidence.

CBI probe sought

Top police officials rushed to the university campus as the students’ unrest was taking a violent turn. Incensed students demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation with a mandate of nabbing the culprits as soon as possible.

They blocked National Highway for several hours on Monday demanding the resignation of top authorities of Sambalpur University.

Rasta roko

In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack too students staged rasta roko denouncing the incident. They lashed out at the police for not being able to give protection to students. They threatened to step up the agitation if exemplary action was not taken.

The police arrested four persons basing on accounts of eyewitnesses and the accused were sent for medical examination, Sambalpur Superintendent of Police Sanjay Kumar told reporters.

Although the incident came to light on Sunday afternoon, police swung into action only after the brother of the victim lodged a complaint in the local police station.

Mr. Kumar said the police would file charge-sheet with strong evidence and request the district judge to adjudicate the matter in fast track court. “If required, the police will go for DNA test,” he said, adding that the girl would be questioned only after she became normal.

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