IIT Bombay Rocked by Voyeurism Scandal: Alumnus Caught Filming Outside Women's Washroom

In a deeply disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), a 27-year-old alumnus was apprehended on charges of voyeurism after being caught attempting to film outside a women's hostel washroom. The unsettling event unfolded on the evening of November 25, 2023, at Hostel 10, a dedicated women's residence on the sprawling campus.

According to reports, the alumnus, identified as Prince Kumar, a former PhD student in electrical engineering who had dropped out in 2021, was spotted by a vigilant security guard positioned near the common washroom.

The guard's suspicion was piqued by Kumar's unusual presence and the equipment he carried: a camera mounted on a tripod. Upon being confronted, Kumar allegedly attempted to evade questions, initially claiming he was filming for a YouTube channel focused on architecture and campus life – an explanation that quickly fell apart under scrutiny.

The incident escalated rapidly as campus security was alerted.

Police from the Powai station were promptly called to the scene, leading to Kumar's immediate arrest. He has been charged under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Section 354C, which pertains to voyeurism, a serious offense carrying significant legal penalties. Although he was subsequently released on bail, the legal proceedings against him are ongoing, underscoring the severity of the alleged crime.

Further investigation revealed that Kumar had been residing in the hostel illegally since his discontinuation of studies, raising critical questions about campus security protocols and access control for former students.

This breach of security has prompted IIT Bombay to take decisive action.

In an official statement, IIT Bombay unequivocally condemned the "unacceptable act." The institute assured its community that it is cooperating fully with the police investigation, providing all necessary assistance to ensure justice is served.

Furthermore, IIT Bombay announced a significant reinforcement of its security measures across the campus to prevent such incidents from recurring. This includes tightening access controls and enhancing surveillance in sensitive areas, particularly around women's hostels and facilities.

The incident has also brought to light past security concerns at the institution.

This is not the first time IIT Bombay has grappled with issues of voyeurism; a similar incident was reported in 2017 where a worker was caught installing a mobile phone in a women’s washroom. These repeated occurrences highlight an ongoing challenge for the institute in ensuring the absolute safety and privacy of its students, especially women.

The IIT Bombay community, particularly its female students, remains deeply concerned following this event.

The institute's proactive response and commitment to bolstering security are crucial steps towards rebuilding trust and ensuring a safe, secure environment for all its residents and students.