A student at National Sanskrit University in Tirupati has accused two assistant professors of sexually assaulting her multiple times and blackmailing her with videos, leading to their arrest on Tuesday. The professors allegedly filmed the assaults and threatened to share the footage online. The case has triggered a political row between YSRCP and TDP in Andhra Pradesh.
A student from the National Sanskrit University (NSU) in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, filed a complaint with the university's internal complaints committee (ICC) on November 24, alleging sexual assault by Assistant Professor Dr Laxman Kumar. In her letter, she wrote, “I humbly request you to keep my identity secret and punish him so that other girls will not suffer.” She added, “This situation has caused me severe mental stress and fear, and I request you to kindly take immediate action in this matter. I request guidance in the next steps to ensure my safety.”
According to police, Kumar befriended the student before assaulting her in his office a few months ago and recording the act. His colleague, Assistant Professor Dr A Sekhar Reddy, allegedly filmed the assault and used the videos to blackmail and further harass her. The two threatened to upload the footage online if she complained. The assaults continued for months, causing the student severe mental trauma. After informing her parents, she discontinued her course but submitted the ICC complaint before leaving campus.
The ICC met from December 1 to 5, confiscated the accused's phones, and recommended forensic examination, finding a prima facie case. The university approached Tirupati West police on December 6, leading to the arrests on charges of sexual assault, voyeurism, and insulting the modesty of a woman. Inspector V Murali Mohan noted the student had isolated herself in the last five to six months and left campus fearing for her safety. He dismissed rumors of her pregnancy as false.
NSU has suspended the professors, who joined in 2019 with no prior complaints, and is probing if other students were targeted. Professor Rajanikant Shukla stated, “We have not had any complaints against either of them previously.” A faculty member emphasized prompt action to ensure the survivor's safety and efforts to bring her back to studies.
The incident has fueled political tensions. YSRCP MP Maddila Gurumoorthy accused authorities of hushing up the matter and sought interventions from national commissions. TDP Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha affirmed a thorough probe, saying, “No one will be spared.”
