Silchar, August 21, 2024 – The academic community of Assam University in Silchar district is reeling from a shocking incident in which a female research scholar was sexually harassed by an auto-rickshaw driver on her way home from college. The disturbing event occurred on August 19 as the student was returning to her residence in Irongmara village.
According to reports, the student had just finished her classes when she boarded an auto-rickshaw driven by Badrujaman Farooq. In an unusual and unsettling move, Farooq insisted that she sit in the front seat beside him. Although hesitant, the student complied, trying to avoid any confrontation.
The situation escalated midway through the journey when Farooq allegedly attempted to sexually harass the student by unzipping his pants and exposing himself. Shocked and terrified, the student immediately jumped out of the moving vehicle to escape. She later reported the incident to the local police and informed the university authorities.
Outrage quickly spread across the Assam University campus, with fellow students and the student union launching a determined search for the accused. Their efforts led to Farooq’s capture on the night of August 20. Farooq, a resident of Bakirnagar in Cachar, was handed over to the police and is now in custody, facing legal action.
The incident has heightened tensions on campus, with students demanding stronger measures from the local administration to ensure their safety. The university community is urging for immediate action to prevent such incidents in the future and to create a safer environment for all students.