Goa University finds itself embroiled in controversy following a reportedly distasteful incident at its annual cultural event, Frolic, organised by fourth-year Integrated MBA students. Allegations have surfaced that male students were made to parade on stage in their underwear during a competition called ‘Third Degree’, in the presence of female students who were reportedly not allowed to leave.
Goa Forward Party (GFP) vice president Dilip Prabhudesai condemned the event, alleging, “The details are too shameful to describe. One of the panel of judges too did something vulgar on stage during Third Degree. Parents of girl students have complained to the Vice Chancellor, and there are attempts to hush up the matter.” He demanded a high-level government inquiry into what he described as a sordid affair.
Prabhudesai raised concerns about potential misconduct, saying, “Female students, who were not allowed to leave and forced to watch, have complained to the authorities, but the University is attempting to cover up the incident.” He wondered whether the incident constituted ragging or sexual harassment.
GFP general secretary Prashant Naik echoed the call for an investigation, alleging that the male students were further instructed to walk in their underwear from the event venue to Cacra beach, escalating the controversy.
Students present at the event confirmed to O Heraldo that the competition crossed boundaries of decency. While they clarified that participation was voluntary, they noted that several female students found the display offensive and lodged complaints with the university, demanding action against those responsible.
Goa University Campus Students Union president Satej Sinai Khandeparkar, who did not attend the event, acknowledged the incident, stating, “I was not present for the Frolic event but got to know that a somewhat vulgar incident took place. Following complaints, an internal complaints committee (ICC) was constituted. The ICC has gathered views from all from different perspectives.”
Naushad Chaudhari, president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) Goa, revealed that he had previously urged Vice Chancellor Prof Harilal Menon to discontinue Third Degree. “We had written to the Vice Chancellor to stop Third Degree. The students participate in the event willingly, least knowing about the insensitivity,” he said.