Massive protests erupted at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak, Haryana, after three women sanitation workers alleged that their supervisors forced them to undress and have their private parts photographed to prove they were menstruating.
The shocking incident reportedly occurred on October 26, when the women were accused of working slowly by their supervisors. According to the victims, when they explained that they were on their periods and had prior permission to rest, the supervisors Vinod and Jitendra accused them of lying and demanded proof.
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In their complaint, the women alleged that the supervisors ordered another female employee to accompany them to the washroom and click photos of their sanitary pads. “They said, ‘Click photos of your private parts so that it can be confirmed you are menstruating.’ When two of us refused, we were abused and threatened with dismissal,” the complaint stated.
Under pressure, two women reportedly complied with the humiliating instructions. They later said the supervisors claimed they were following orders from Assistant Registrar Shyam Sundar.
As the disturbing news spread, other sanitation workers, students, and members of student organisations staged a protest within the university campus, demanding strict action against the accused officials. Photos and videos related to the incident were also shared with the Haryana State Women Commission.
University Registrar K.K. Gupta confirmed that one supervisor had been suspended with immediate effect pending an inquiry. “We will investigate the entire incident. Whoever is found guilty will not be spared. If required, a case will also be registered under the SC/ST Act,” Gupta said.
The situation was brought under control after professor Dr. Bhagat Singh intervened and assured the protesters of a fair and transparent investigation.
Police later confirmed that an FIR has been lodged against the two supervisors under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of sexual harassment, assault or use of criminal force with intent to disrobe, outraging a woman’s modesty, and criminal intimidation.
Station House Officer Roshan Lal of PGIMS police station stated that the investigation is ongoing.
In a statement, the university condemned the incident, asserting that any form of workplace insecurity or misconduct would not be tolerated. “The safety and respect of women are paramount. The university is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive work environment, and the strictest action will be taken against any inappropriate behaviour,” the statement read.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
