In a disturbing incident that has reignited public concern over women’s safety on educational campuses, a 21-year-old student of a reputed engineering college in Bengaluru was arrested on Thursday for allegedly raping a senior student inside a men’s restroom on the college premises.
The assault reportedly took place on October 10, and the accused was taken into custody following the survivor’s formal complaint on October 15.
According to police officials, the accused — a sixth-semester student — was once a batchmate of the survivor, who is now in her seventh semester. “A case under charges of rape has been registered.
The accused has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway,” said an investigating officer.
Police sources confirmed that the two students were known to each other. “The accused has claimed the act was consensual, while the survivor has stated it was a case of assault.
All facts are being thoroughly examined,” another officer added.
The young woman, initially silent due to fear of social stigma, reportedly found courage after confiding in friends who urged her to come forward.
She later informed her parents and filed a formal complaint with the police.
In her statement, the survivor recounted that on the morning of October 10, the accused called her to collect some study materials.
When she agreed to meet during lunch hours, he allegedly led her to the architecture block of the campus and forcibly took her into the men’s washroom, where the assault occurred.
Following the incident, the accused allegedly called the survivor asking if she “needed pills,” according to the police report.
Deeply shaken, the student confided in her friends, who stood by her and encouraged her to seek justice.
The case has sparked widespread outrage among students, parents, and women’s rights groups, who have called for stricter campus safety mechanisms and faster investigations into sexual assault cases.
Experts say such crimes leave deep psychological and emotional scars on victims, often changing their sense of safety and trust forever.
“An educational institution is meant to be a safe space for learning and growth. When such crimes occur within its walls, it reflects a serious social and moral failure,” said a Bengaluru-based psychologist.
As the investigation continues, the case has once again drawn attention to the urgent need for gender sensitization, stronger institutional redressal systems, and collective awareness to prevent sexual violence in India’s campuses.
Other Notable Campus Cases That Shook the Nation
To show that this Bengaluru case is part of a troubling pattern, here are some similar recent campus incidents that made national headlines:
IIM Calcutta Alleged Rape in Boys’ Hostel
A woman alleged she was called to a counseling session, given a drink that left her disoriented, then allegedly raped inside the boys’ hostel. The accused, a second-year student, was arrested. (
South Calcutta Law College (Kasba Law College) Gang-Rape Case
A female law student alleged she was gang-raped on the campus by multiple people.
CCTV footage and call records supported her claim, resulting in the identification of any students under suspicion.
Anna University, Chennai – Outside Campus Assault Incident
On December 23, 2024, a second-year engineering student was allegedly sexually assaulted on campus grounds at Anna University, igniting protests and raising questions about institutional safety and nighttime patrols.
IIT-BHU (Varanasi) Molestation & Sexual Assault Incidents
Multiple reports emerged of female students being molested, with some accused having a history of similar misconduct. The campus safety and proctorial responses were heavily criticized.
SaU (South Asian University), Delhi – Attempted Gang Rape & Sexual Assault Case
An 18-year-old 1st year BTech student alleged being stalked, receiving threatening messages and emails, and later suffering sexual assault by multiple men (including a security guard) on campus.
The university faced criticism for the delay and handling of the case.
Why These Cases Stir So Much Public Outrage
- These incidents leave victims with lifelong trauma — both physically and mentally — and often erode trust in institutions meant to safeguard them.
- Survivors frequently delay reporting out of shame, fear, or distrust, which allows perpetrators to avoid consequences.
- When these crimes happen inside campuses — perceived safe spaces — the betrayal is deeper: the very places meant for learning become sites of vulnerability.
- There’s growing frustration that many institutions are reactive, not proactive: safety steps, reporting systems, night patrols, good lighting, grievance redressal committee, etc,c. They’re often weak or under-functioning.
- The frequency of such stories in national headlines is making people demand more than just statements; they want systemic, structural changes.
This new Bengaluru case is yet another reminder that sexual violence on campuses is neither rare nor isolated.
It underlines how important it is for students, society, colleges, and governments to work together—so victims are heard and supported, aggressors are held accountable, and campuses become truly safe places.
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