DCW begins probe into sexual harassment incidents at college fests

Days after Indraprastha College for Women students alleged sexual harassment during a fest, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Monday said it has launched an inquiry into repeated incidents of inappropriate behaviour towards women during college festivals. The women’s panel has issued summonses to Delhi Police and Delhi University (DU) officials, asking them to appear before it on April 6. ”This inquiry is on the overall issue so that strong systems are created to deter such incidents in the future. Earlier, the DCW had issued notices to Delhi Police and IP College to inquire into the specific case of harassment,” the commission said. Students at DU’s Indraprastha College for Women alleged that some men scaled the walls of the college during a fest on March 28 and ”harassed several students”. Similar incidents have also been reported in some DU colleges in the past. In 2020, some people forced their way into Gargi College premises during a fest and molested the girl students, the DCW noted.