Alleged Molestation of Minor Girl Rocks Assam University: Accused Arrested

Recurring incidents of sexual harassment raise concerns over institutional accountability and student safety at Assam University.

A shocking case of alleged molestation of a 14-year-old Adivasi girl has come to light within the Law Department of Assam University, Silchar, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about the safety of students and staff on campus. The accused, Farukh Ahmed, a Lower Divisional Clerk (LDC) in the same department, was arrested on Sunday by Cachar Police after evading arrest. This incident is the latest in a series of sexual harassment cases that have plagued the university, leaving students and staff questioning the institution’s commitment to safety and justice.

On January 31, 2025, the minor girl, who is the niece of a housekeeping staff member at the university, was allegedly molested by Farukh Ahmed inside the Law Department. The girl had accompanied her aunt to the campus out of concern for her safety at home. The victim’s father was admitted to the SMCH for treatment, so her aunty was concerned for her safety so she didn’t leave her alone at home. However, even within the university premises, she was not safe.

An FIR was lodged at the Irongmara outpost on January 31. During the police investigation, the victim’s statement was recorded, and a case was registered under Section 75(2)/351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Farukh Ahmed, a 57-year-old resident of Atalbasti near Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), was arrested by the police on Sunday. Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta of Cachar Police confirmed the arrest and stated that the case has inter-community ramifications, necessitating constant monitoring.

On February 1, non-teaching staff of the university staged a protest outside the campus, demanding justice for the victim and alleging that other staff members may have aided Farukh Ahmed in evading arrest. Protesters claimed that the department has a history of shielding offenders, allowing them to escape accountability.

This incident is not an isolated one. In August 2024, Professor Biswajit Das of the same department was detained for sexually harassing a 6th Semester student. He was later reinstated after serving a suspension period and police detention. Similarly, in September 2018, Najmul Islam Barbhuiya, the Interim Head of the Department of Arabic, was arrested on similar charges. These are just the two cases where the victim reported the case and the incident was reported. The recurrence of such incidents has left students and staff questioning the effectiveness of the university’s disciplinary mechanisms.

The fact that these alleged perpetrators are being granted bail for non-bailable offences raises questions about the validity of the allegations. Non-bailable offences are serious, yet these accused individuals are returning to their jobs. This suggests either a flaw in the system or a flaw in the allegations themselves.

In response to the incident, Assam University Registrar Pradosh Kiran Nath issued an order suspending Farukh Ahmed for “90 days” with immediate effect. The order cited Rule 10 (1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules, 1965, and the university’s statutes. During the suspension period, Ahmed will receive a “subsistence allowance” and is barred from leaving the headquarters without prior permission.

But how did the university allow a 14-year-old onto the campus? There are also allegations that the victim works as a toilet cleaner in the department. How can an educational institution permit child labour—that too in a department that teaches law?

But is this enough?

The repeated incidents of sexual harassment at Assam University have exposed systemic failures in addressing such crimes. The lack of exemplary punishment for previous offenders, such as Biswajit Das, has created a culture of impunity. The university’s failure to implement robust preventive measures and ensure swift justice has eroded trust in its ability to protect students and staff.

“How can we feel safe when predators are roaming freely on campus?” asked a student who wished to remain anonymous. “The university must take concrete steps to ensure our safety, not just issue suspension orders that allow offenders to return after a few months.”

The alleged molestation of a minor girl within the premises of Assam University is a grim reminder of the urgent need for institutional accountability and student safety. While the arrest of Farukh Ahmed is a step in the right direction, it is not enough. The university must take decisive action to address the systemic issues that have allowed such incidents to recur. Until then, the question remains: How safe are students inside this central university?