Students deeply perturbed

Chennai: Jolted by the rape of a hosteller on Anna University campus, many students said the university has a vibrant culture of students walking around the campus in the late evening hours for cultural and club activities."Many rehearse for dance competitions, while others conduct group sessions for college clubs. There are some dark spots on campus, but we are not allowed to walk there. The campus is usually alive with students walking around or engaged in club activities until 8.30pm," said Dhruvika S, a third-year undergraduate student. Many students returning to campus after the weekend were unaware of the incident, she said, adding, "I came to know about it after being stopped at the gate."Students say the stretch between the Anna Statue and the main gate is usually dimly lit. The walk from the hostel to the main gate takes about 20 minutes. "Some take shortcuts through darker paths," a second-year undergraduate student said. There are two guards at every hostel gate and cameras at the entrances.On Wednesday, students were miffed with the initial response of the university authorities, who neither issued an official communication clarifying the incident nor addressed the apprehension among students.A PhD scholar, stopped at the Kotturpuram gate, said: "There are only a handful of us here during the holidays, and our parents are already worried about us living away from home. Not knowing what's happening only adds to their anxiety. A circular explaining the situation could have reassured both students and parents."A group of 2020 graduates, gathering for a reunion, also faced restrictions. "This is shocking. When we were students, patrol vehicles regularly circled the campus, and we felt safe," said one alumna."Students are not allowed to leave the campus after 8 pm. Those staying out overnight or leaving for holidays need prior approval from the administration, wardens, and residence councils. Students returning after holidays can re-enter the campus only after 6am," said a guard stationed at the main gate. Meanwhile, members of the Students' Federation of India held a protest in front of the campus demanding transparency and updates on the survivor's condition. Faculty members suggested implementing an access control and vehicle pass system, similar to the one at IIT-M. Anna University's internal complaints committee is conducting a parallel inquiry into the incident. In a statement issued by the university, Registrar J Prakash said additional safety measures would be implemented.