MU Forms Panel to Investigate Rape Threat Allegations at Thane Sub-Centre

Mumbai:  The University of Mumbai (MU) has formed an inquiry committee to investigate the allegations of rape threats and obscene letters directed at three female law students at its Thane sub-centre. The investigation comes after a delegation from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) met MU's Vice Chancellor earlier this week to discuss the issue.

ABVP’s state minister, Sankalp Phaldesai, accused Thane sub-centre officials of refusing to accept formal complaints from the victims and pressuring them to resolve the matter informally. “When the students’ parents visited the sub-centre on December 5, they were advised to approach the local police,” he stated. However, no staff member accompanied the students to the police station, Phaldesai claimed, urging action against the sub-centre head for negligence.

ABVP’s statement, issued on Friday, pointed out that no decisive action had been taken regarding the complaints, despite a week passing since the incident. Concerns regarding student safety and the university's commitment to student welfare were raised, with some parents reportedly pulling their children from the institution over safety concerns.

The local Kapurbawdi police station confirmed receiving a complaint and recording the statements of the students. A female officer has been assigned to investigate the case.