Andhra: SR Gudlavalleru Engineering College students allege cameras placed in girls' hostel washroom, videos sold; probe ordered
Students alleged that around 300 videos were reportedly recorded and sold to the students in the boys' hostel
By Sri Lakshmi Muttevi Published on 30 Aug 2024 5:34 AM GMT
Vijayawada: Massive protests rocked Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru College of Engineering in Krishna district after students alleged that hidden cameras were placed in the girls' hostel washroom.
Police immediately launched an operation but could not find any hidden cameras.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has ordered an inquiry into the issue. He ordered Minister Kollu Ravindra, District collector DK Balaji and Krishna district SP Gangadhar to go to the spot and investigate immediately.
āWe (students) donāt have faith in the college management as it has been trying to hush up the matter (alleged hidden cameras issue) for the past three days. The college management threatened to act against us if we complain over this issue,ā the students' complaint to Minister Ravindra.
Demanding justice at any cost, the students vowed not to attend classes until then, while the minister said that truth would come out and the culprits would be punished.
On Thursday night, students from the hostel protested after over suspected hidden cameras in the washrooms. According to the students, the incident came to light a week ago, however, the management did not take any action.
Students alleged that around 300 videos were reportedly recorded and sold to the students in the boys' hostel.
Police questioned a final-year engineering student who is suspected to be responsible for this incident. They seized his mobile phone and laptop, and are questioning him.
In a statement, Krishna district SP Gangadhar Rao said, "We did not find any hidden cameras in the girls' hostel during our investigation. Police searched the suspected student laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic gadgets in front of students and college staff. No videos regarding student allegations were found. Girl students need not worry about this problem. Further investigation is in progress."
CM
Minister Lokesh orders enquiry over alleged hidden cameras in girl students' washroom
Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh on Friday ordered an enquiry over the alleged installation of hidden cameras inside a girl students' washroom in an engineering college located at Gudlavalleru in Krishna district.
The incident at SR Gudlavalleru Engineering College emerged on Friday, along with videos of students protesting for justice on late Thursday, going viral.
"I have ordered an enquiry on hidden cameras allegations. Stringent action will be taken against the culprits and people responsible. I directed officials to ensure that these kinds of incidents do not recur in colleges," said Lokesh in a post on 'X'.
A case has been registered.
Circle Inspector of Gudivada crime police station Ramanamma has been appointed as the Special Investigative Officer, for the special team formed to investigate the case. The probe team has already begun inquiry in the womenās hostel.
If the crime of capturing videos through hidden cameras is proven, then the CM directed officials to take stringent action against the culprits.
In the event of students possessing any evidence regarding the incident, Naidu urged them to share it with him.
Women Commission takes Suo moto
AP Women Commission takes Suo moto over the incident.
Women Commission Gajjala Venkata Lakshmi to visit the College.
