Incident on a Bengaluru private engineering campus raises alarm
A disturbing incident at a private engineering college in Bengaluru has drawn intense scrutiny over campus safety and the protection of students. Police say a 22-year-old student, Jeevan Gowda, was arrested and remanded to judicial custody after a senior female student filed a police complaint alleging rape on the college premises. The assault reportedly occurred on October 10, with the survivor reporting the matter after confiding in her parents several days later.
Authorities say the two students had a prior acquaintance and studied at the same institution; Jeevan was a year behind due to academic backlogs. The survivor, who was in her seventh semester, reportedly met the accused during a lunch break to collect materials, only for the situation to escalate into a traumatic crime on the seventh floor near the architecture block. According to the police, when the survivor resisted and attempted to leave, she was forcibly dragged to the men’s toilet on the sixth floor where the assault allegedly occurred. The suspect is accused of forcibly raping her and snatching her phone when it rang during the incident.
The case underscores how quickly campus spaces can become sites of violence and how crucial it is for institutions to have robust safety protocols. After the assault, the survivor’s trauma initially kept her from reporting the crime. With the support of her parents, she filed a formal complaint at the Hanumanthanagar police station, and forensic tests have been initiated as investigators piece together the sequence of events. The absence of CCTV cameras on the specific floor where the crime occurred has complicated the investigation, highlighting a broader challenge many campuses face: ensuring comprehensive coverage of common areas and corridors to deter and document such crimes.
Officials and advocates emphasize that timely reporting is essential in these cases, not only for the survivor’s justice but also for the safety of the campus community. While the investigation proceeds, questions remain about how such acts can be prevented in the future, including the effectiveness of on-campus security, lighting, and access control measures.
Political and public reactions reflect concerns over women’s safety
The incident quickly became a focal point in political discourse. Opposing leaders criticized the state government for what they described as lapses in maintaining law and order and protecting women. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader R. Ashok referred to the case as symptomatic of broader safety failures in Karnataka, noting that over 979 sexual assault cases involving girls had been registered in the state in the past four months, including 114 in Bengaluru. He urged authorities to take decisive action to protect women and children, calling for immediate steps to strengthen campus safety and law enforcement responses.
Experts and civil society groups have long argued that preventing campus violence requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes well-lit common areas, secure access to buildings, reliable incident reporting channels, and a culture that encourages survivors to come forward without fear of stigma or retaliation. Institutions must also ensure that staff and students receive training on consent and respectful conduct, along with accessible mental health support for those who experience trauma.
What campuses can do now to improve safety
In the wake of this case, colleges across Bengaluru and the wider country may reassess safety policies. Key steps include expanding CCTV coverage in critical zones, establishing anonymous reporting mechanisms, and ensuring security personnel are trained to respond swiftly to complaints. Regular safety audits, clear procedures for reporting sexual violence, and transparent communication with students and parents can help rebuild trust in campus systems. Collaboration with local police to streamline investigations, protect survivors, and pursue accountability is essential.
As the investigation unfolds, the broader public conversation centers on safeguarding campuses from violence and ensuring that survivors receive prompt, compassionate support. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even private institutions must uphold rigorous safety standards and foster an environment where students feel secure to pursue their education.
