Abduction Bid, Molestation In Latest Trouble On JNU Campus

Four men drove into the Jawaharlal Nehru University campus late on Tuesday night, and then attempted to abduct two women students, molested them, and later assaulted a male student near the North Gate of the university, police officers said after registering two separate first information reports (FIRS).

- Karn Pratap Singh and Aheli Das

After the incidents came to light, students launched a protest, prompting the institution's security wing to file a complaint with the police.

"Two complaints, one regarding physical assault and another of molestation and attempt to kidnapping were received from JNU students. Cases have been registered. In both cases the accused and the vehicle are the same and have been identified. Further investigation is on," said deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Manoj C.

An officer associated with the probe said that at least two calls were made to the police control room between 12.30am and 1am on the intervening night of June 6 and 7. By afternoon, the prime suspect was apprehended.

"One of the four people in the car has been identified by his first name, Abhishek, a resident of Gurugram. He has confessed to assaulting the male student but denied allegations of abduction and molestation. The car, a Swift Dzire bearing a Haryana registration, belongs to Abhishek's uncle. Efforts are on nab the other three suspects," said an officer, declining to be named.

Another officer said the FIRS were registered on the complaints of the three victims, including the two women students who are studying French. The male victim is pursuing his PhD.