Haryana College Staff Forced Female Workers to Photograph Private Parts as Menstruation Proof, Sparking Protests

Protest at Maharshi Dayanand University.

Protests erupted at Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, Haryana after three sanitation workers were allegedly forced by their supervisors to undress and have photographs taken of their private parts to verify they were menstruating.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 26 when supervisors accused the women of working slowly. According to reports, the women were confronted after taking leave.

University Registrar K K Gupta stated in an official communication that one supervisor has "been placed under suspension with immediate effect with prejudice to the pending disciplinary proceedings against him".

"We will conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. Those found guilty will face consequences. If necessary, charges will be filed against the accused officers under the SC/ST Act," he later informed reporters.

The women employees explained that problems began when supervisors Vinod and Vitendra questioned them about taking leaves. When the workers explained they were menstruating and feeling unwell, having already received permission from other senior staff, the supervisors accused them of fabricating excuses. The supervisors then demanded they remove their clothing to prove they were having their periods.

According to the complaint, Vinod and Jitendra instructed another female employee to escort the women to the washroom and photograph their sanitary pads as evidence of menstruation.

"They demanded photographs of our private parts as proof to confirm the menstrual cycle," the women stated in their complaint. "When two of us refused to comply, we were verbally abused and threatened with termination."

"Under duress, two women went to the washroom and provided the photographs. When we questioned their behavior, they claimed they were following Assistant Registrar Shyam Sundar's directives," they added.

As news of the disturbing incident spread and supervisors were shown the photographs, remaining staff and students, including student organizations, organized a protest. They shared evidence of the incident with the State Women Commission chairperson.

The situation was eventually controlled when professor Dr. Bhagat Singh arrived at the scene. He assured protesters of a comprehensive investigation and action against those responsible. "If investigation confirms misconduct, the guilty parties will be immediately dismissed," he stated.

"A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against both supervisors. The charges include provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for sexual harassment, assault or criminal force with intent to disrobe and outrage a woman's modesty, criminal intimidation, and acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman," Station House Officer at PGIMS police station Roshan Lal told The Indian Express.

The university released a statement affirming that workplace insecurity will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The institution reaffirmed its commitment to "always providing a safe, respectful, and culturally sensitive" work environment. "Women's safety and respect are paramount, and the strictest action will be taken against any form of inappropriate behavior or misconduct," the statement concluded, according to The Indian Express.