The college authorities, however, denied all allegations. They stated that they have provided every possible help to the student.
A Daulat Ram College student who was sexually assaulted by an employee of the Oriental Bank branch operating on the campus has alleged that the college authorities tried to influence her statement against the accused.
"Some faculty members, as well as bank employees, have repeatedly approached me. They urged me to tone down my statement against the accused to prevent bringing a bad name to the college," the 21-year-old said. "This is really disturbing for me and my family. We are already going through a tough time," she added.
The college authorities, however, denied all allegations. They stated that they have provided every possible help to the student. "I have no clue about it. Why would the college try to influence her statement? We have been very cooperative with the student and her family," Principal Savita Rai said.
"I contacted the bank authorities as soon as the incident came to my notice. We even made sure that the accused would not appear anywhere near the premises," the Principal added.
Accused Devender Kumar, 52, was arrested under section 354 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on January 19 for sexually assaulting the first-year student inside his car. The incident took place while they were on their way to college the day before. He was released on bail on January 20. The case is still pending in the court.
Kumar had reportedly helped the student when she needed cash for her mother's treatment during the demonetization drive. "A few months ago, my mother fell ill and he (Kumar) helped me at the time. So, I trusted him," the girl said.
"I was traumatised after the incident. I felt like quitting college. But then I approached some fellow college mates and told them about the incident," the student said. She added that they informed the college authorities and filed an FIR against Kumar at North Campus' Maurice Nagar police station.
According to some students who went to the police station, some faculty members tried to intervene and urged her to change her statement at that time as well. "Some faculty members who went with us asked her to make some changes in her statement. They asked her to avoid certain words and keep the allegation to touch," said a student, requesting anonymity.
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