VIJAYAWADA: Students of a private engineering college near Gudlavalleru, in Gudivada mandal of Andhra Pradesh‘s Krishna district, staged a midnight protest late on Thursday after allegedly discovering hidden cameras in the washrooms of the girls’ hostel.
The protest was triggered by allegations that a final year BTech student had been selling videos captured by the hidden cameras with the help of another student. Police intervened to control the situation. Police also confiscated a laptop and cell phone from a student.
Students said hidden cameras had been installed in the washrooms of the girls’ hostel. Krishna district SP R Gangadhar Rao said a case has been registered and further investigation is on.
“Police found no concealed cameras in the washrooms of the girls’ hostel premises as of Friday. Police also examined the laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic devices belonging to the suspects in the presence of both students and college staff. However, no incriminating evidence was found,” he said. Rao announced the formation of an SIT composed entirely of female police officers.
Cell phones and laptops belonging to the suspects have been seized, and every image and document stored on the devices is being thoroughly examined, the SP said, adding that if any incriminating material or video evidence was found those responsible would face severe consequences that would serve as a deterrent to others. He requested patience and understanding from the students and public and urged them to allow police the necessary time and space to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Special officer Ramanamma led a team to inspect the bathrooms in the girls’ hostel, along with officials from the women and child welfare department and 10 students.
Meanwhile, minister Kollu Ravindra visited the spot at the direction of CM N Chandrababu Naidu and spoke to agitating students. The minister told students that police security would be provided at the girls’ hostel to ensure their safety.
The students called off their protest after the minister assured of strict action. The college management has declared three days holiday from Saturday.
The protest was triggered by allegations that a final year BTech student had been selling videos captured by the hidden cameras with the help of another student. Police intervened to control the situation. Police also confiscated a laptop and cell phone from a student.
Students said hidden cameras had been installed in the washrooms of the girls’ hostel. Krishna district SP R Gangadhar Rao said a case has been registered and further investigation is on.
“Police found no concealed cameras in the washrooms of the girls’ hostel premises as of Friday. Police also examined the laptops, mobile phones, and other electronic devices belonging to the suspects in the presence of both students and college staff. However, no incriminating evidence was found,” he said. Rao announced the formation of an SIT composed entirely of female police officers.
Cell phones and laptops belonging to the suspects have been seized, and every image and document stored on the devices is being thoroughly examined, the SP said, adding that if any incriminating material or video evidence was found those responsible would face severe consequences that would serve as a deterrent to others. He requested patience and understanding from the students and public and urged them to allow police the necessary time and space to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Special officer Ramanamma led a team to inspect the bathrooms in the girls’ hostel, along with officials from the women and child welfare department and 10 students.
Meanwhile, minister Kollu Ravindra visited the spot at the direction of CM N Chandrababu Naidu and spoke to agitating students. The minister told students that police security would be provided at the girls’ hostel to ensure their safety.
The students called off their protest after the minister assured of strict action. The college management has declared three days holiday from Saturday.