Students at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay are understandably concerned following an incident where an alumnus was reportedly caught recording a video outside a hostel washroom on October 12. The individual, who had recently completed his master’s degree, was apprehended by students and subsequently handed over to the Powai police by the institute’s security staff.
The incident occurred at hostel number 14, and according to students, the alumnus was using his official alumni ID to access the campus. One student recounted that the accused was a frequent visitor, adding, “Now, we know why he was seen here so often.”
Further allegations suggest that police found a substantial number of similar videos stored on the alumnus’s phone. However, neither the IIT-Bombay administration nor the Powai police have officially confirmed these claims.
Alumnus Used ID Card for Campus Access
The alumnus’s continued access to the campus, even after graduating, is a point of concern. Students reported that he was using his alumni ID card to gain entry, highlighting a potential gap in campus security protocols.
“We nabbed the person and handed him over to the institute’s security officer, assuming action will be taken against him,” a student shared, emphasizing the collective action taken by students to address the situation.
Official Response and Investigation
An IIT-B spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, “After students brought the matter to our attention, our security officers handed over the person to the Powai police. The matter is under investigation with Powai police.” The spokesperson also noted that initial information suggested the individual was not a current student, though institute sources confirmed he was an alumnus.
Datta Nalawade, deputy commissioner of police (zone 10), confirmed the alumnus was handed over to the Powai police. However, he added that no First Information Report (FIR) was registered and no arrest was made, as IIT authorities or any other party did not file a formal complaint.
This incident has understandably heightened security and privacy concerns among the current student body, who are seeking detailed information on the actions being taken by the institute.