The discovery of alleged hidden cameras in the women’s hostel washroom at Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College in Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh has sparked outrage and protests among students and the local community. The incident, which surfaced in late August 2024, has led to serious accusations against the college administration and has prompted state authorities to intervene, ensuring justice and safety for the students.

Protests erupt over hidden camera allegations

Tensions began to escalate when students at the Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College accused two senior students of secretly installing hidden cameras in the women’s hostel washroom. Despite students’ complaints to the college administration over a week, no action was taken, leading to suspicions of a cover-up attempt by the college management. On the night of August 29, hundreds of students gathered in a massive protest, demanding immediate action against those responsible for the alleged invasion of privacy.

Authorities quickly responded to the viral videos of these protests that circulated widely on social media. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and other senior officials, including Human Resource Development Minister Nara Lokesh and Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, instructed district officials to launch an immediate inquiry into the matter. Nara Lokesh stated that he had ordered an inquiry into the hidden camera allegations, emphasizing the need for transparency and justice.

Investigations reveal conflicting findings

The initial investigation by the Krishna District Police, led by Superintendent R. Gangadhar Rao, involved forming a special team to inspect the premises thoroughly. According to Rao, no hidden cameras were found in the hostel during the search. The investigation team also examined the laptops and mobile phones of the two accused students in front of other students and college staff. However, no incriminating evidence, such as videos or photographs, was found. This led to suspicions that the situation might have been exacerbated by rumours and misinformation circulating among the students.

The police, however, maintained a cautious stance and registered a formal case to continue their investigation. The SP mentioned that while no concrete evidence had been discovered, the matter required careful handling to maintain the safety and security of the students. He reassured that students should not worry, noting that no evidence supporting these claims was found during the inspections. Nonetheless, he announced that additional measures, including the deployment of female constables on every floor of the hostel, would be implemented to bolster security and prevent any potential recurrence of such incidents.

Expert opinion on the implications for student safety

Dr. Aparna Reddy, a sociologist specializing in women’s safety in educational institutions, commented on the incident’s broader implications. She pointed out that such events often highlight deeper issues within the administrative culture of many educational institutions, where students’ concerns about safety and privacy are not given due importance. She remarked that it is concerning when allegations of this nature are dismissed without thorough investigation, adding that colleges must prioritize creating a safe and supportive environment for students to prevent similar incidents.

Institutional accountability and the road ahead

The hidden camera scandal at Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College has not only shaken the confidence of its students but also raised broader questions about the safety measures in place at educational institutions across India. As the investigation continues, authorities have assured that they will leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice and ensuring such incidents are never repeated.

The incident serves as a wake-up call to all educational institutions to reassess their security measures and the effectiveness of their responses to student complaints. The government’s prompt action in this case reflects the growing emphasis on student safety, but it also underscores the need for more robust policies and immediate responses to such serious allegations.

  Gudlavalleru Engineering College, Krishna District Police, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Nara Lokesh, R. Gangadhar Rao, Seshadri Rao Gudlavalleru Engineering College, Vangalapudi Anitha