ANDHRA PRADESH: Tirupati Student Assault Case: Two Professors Arrested
A 27-year-old woman from Odisha, pursuing her first-year B.Ed. at National Sanskrit University in Tirupati, faced a nightmare at the hands of those meant to guide her.
Assistant Professor Dr. Lakshman Kumar exploited her trust during his time away from duties.
He assaulted her sexually right in his office, turning a place of learning into a scene of violation.
Blackmail and Harassment
Worse followed when Dr. A. Shekhar Reddy, another assistant professor in the same department, captured compromising photos and videos through the office window.
The duo then tormented the student with threats of sharing the material online.
This relentless physical and emotional abuse left her trapped in fear, desperate for escape.
University Steps In
Brave enough to speak up, the student reported the ordeal to university officials.
An internal inquiry committee swiftly formed and suspended Dr. Lakshman Kumar pending further review.
Acting on the gravity, In-Charge Registrar Rajinikanth Shukla lodged a formal complaint with authorities.
Swift Police Response
Tirupati West Police registered the case without delay. Under DSP Bhaktavatsalam’s direction, specialized teams launched a thorough probe.
A dedicated unit, led by CI Murali Mohan and including women officers, traveled to the victim’s Odisha hometown to secure her detailed statement.
Their efforts culminated in the arrests of both accused professors on Tuesday.
Women’s Commission Mobilizes
The Andhra Pradesh State Women’s Commission wasted no time in addressing this breach of safety. Chairperson Rayapati Sailaja contacted Tirupati’s Superintendent of Police that same day for a full briefing.
She demanded immediate action against the perpetrators and tasked member Rukiya Begum with an on-ground investigation into the complaint, university processes, and committee findings for a comprehensive report.