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The discovery of hidden cameras in a women's washroom at an engineering college in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, has sparked outrage and accusations of a cover-up against the college management. Female students have alleged that the administration threatened them for reporting the incident, leading to widespread protests and calls for justice. The scandal has highlighted concerns about the safety and security of female students in educational institutions, prompting a swift response from authorities.
The incident came to light on Thursday night when students discovered the hidden cameras. Hundreds of students immediately took to the streets, demanding accountability from the college administration. Their protests escalated on Friday, prompting a visit from Mines Minister K Ravindra, who was accompanied by the district collector and superintendent of police. The visit was a direct order from Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who has vowed to take stringent action if the allegations are confirmed.
The students' grievances are rooted in their belief that the college management attempted to suppress the issue for three days, silencing any attempt to report the incident. This perceived cover-up has further fueled their anger, leading to a boycott of classes until justice is served. The students' demands for transparency and accountability have been echoed by government officials, who have launched an investigation into the matter. The Krishna district superintendent of police, Gangadhar Rao, has formed a special team, including a police technical investigation unit, to probe the allegations.
Despite the students' claims, police have yet to find any hidden cameras in the washrooms. They have conducted thorough checks of laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic devices belonging to suspects, in the presence of students and college staff. However, the police have reassured the students that they are taking the allegations seriously and implementing confidence-building measures to ensure their safety. To further address student concerns, Mines Minister K Ravindra has announced enhanced security measures at the hostel, including the assignment of a woman constable to each floor. The police are also investigating whether any videos related to the incident have been circulated and have confiscated two students' devices for examination.
The issue has gained national attention, with Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh also ordering an inquiry into the incident. The minister emphasized the need to prevent such incidents in the future, assuring students that stringent action would be taken against those responsible. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the safety and privacy of students in educational institutions. It underscores the need for robust security measures and transparent investigations to ensure that such incidents are prevented and perpetrators held accountable.