Presidency University Students Allege Pattern Of Sexual Misconduct And Online Harassment

Kolkata: Recently, a group of undergraduate students from Presidency University have raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, online abuse, privacy violations and the normalisation of rape culture against a second-year Economics student. This has triggered widespread concern about campus safety, consent and institutional accountability. 

IThis complaint has been spearheaded by Nilanjana Das, a second-year undergraduate student of the English department at Presidency University. She states that what began as casual interactions gradually escalated. She describes this as a sustained pattern of toxic and harmful behaviour by Aniket Banerjee, UG-2, Economics department. Nilanjana Das and several other students have come forward. The conduct includes catcalling and repeated sexual objectification of women. It also involves the unauthorised use of women’s social media images to create sexualised stickers. Additionally, there is the circulation of sexually explicit comments in private chats. Nilanjana Das alleges that Aniket Banerjee often made derogatory remarks. These remarks were sexually graphic. They targeted women he did not know personally, including seniors and peers. 

Screenshots also reviewed by students reportedly contain statements that are misogynistic, vulgar and dehumanising in nature. Despite repeated objections and warnings from peers, students claimed these remarks were shared in group chats. They were also shared in informal online spaces. The violation of privacy is a particularly disturbing aspect of the allegations. Aniket Banerjee allegedly took screenshots of women’s Instagram photographs without editing. He converted them into sexualised digital content. Several students then circulated this content. “Thanks to this, many of us have questioned whether we should ever post anything online again,” Das said, describing the long-term psychological impact of such actions.

Students have also accused that beyond sexual harassment Aniket Banerjee also involved of body shaming and emotional abuse. One senior student alleged that she was repeatedly mocked for her appearance in public settings. Remarks aggravated her existing insecurities. They caused significant emotional distress. She claims to have been publicly targeted with comments doubtful of her physical attractiveness. Her fitness and desirability as an elderly person were also questioned. These comments were accompanied by verbal abuse. The friends of the student argued that such conduct was a grave threat to her psychological health. Besides the above accusations, discrimination and colourism accusations have been raised.  

One of my classmates recounted an incident. She asked him why Banerjee was not willing to be her friend. He supposedly responded that her complexion was inferior to that of another female. This response perpetuated the negative beauty hierarchies based on fairness. According to students, these kinds of comments contribute to a hostile and exclusionary environment on campus. The complaint also states that Banerjee regularly posted social-media statuses. These posts mentioned the internal difficulties, emotional torment, or personal disputes of his friends. He did this without their permission. These students claimed that these posts indirectly attacked the individuals in question and humiliated, provoked anxiety and emotional abuse. In addition, he is charged with spreading pseudonymous rumours. These rumours suggest he is romantically involved with several students on campus. This further raises concerns about consent, reputation, and defamation. 

Banerjee’s former partner, Madhurima, is a second-year student of Lady Brabourne College. She has reportedly shared her experiences with friends. Madhurima alleges psychological manipulation, gaslighting, and body shaming during their relationship. According to those who witnessed her distress, the constant sexualisation of other women had a severe emotional impact. Remarks about physical appearance also contributed to this impact. This led to late-night breakdowns. Friends had to intervene in these situations.

What has intensified outrage on campus is Banerjee’s alleged public defence of rape culture. Students cite statements attributed to him in the context of the recent RG Kar rape case in West Bengal. He allegedly suggested victim-blaming narratives. He also minimized accountability. These remarks, students argue, have created fear and anger. There is a sense of moral crisis among peers. Particularly, women feel unsafe sharing academic and social spaces. Students also argue that Banerjee acted not only towards Presidency University. He was also accused of foul and offensive manners towards students of other colleges, including those of his partner. They insist that this behaviour derails the inclusive culture of the university and develops a feel of intimidation. “This is not about one comment or one mistake. This is a repeated pattern,” Das said. “When behaviour like this is normalised, silence becomes complicity.”

Students are now seeking formal institutional response. They request university leaders to begin an independent investigation. They also want to reinforce systems within the framework of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Additionally, they urge the university to state anew a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment, abuse via social media, and victim-blaming. They are keen to underline that their mission is not vigilantism, but accountability and safety. As debate on issues relating to consent grows on campuses in India, discussions about digital ethics and gender justice intensify. Students at Presidency University argue that this moment demands more than outrage. “Voices must be raised, and action must follow,” Das said. “Only then can campuses become spaces of learning rather than fear.”

Read More: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1UVp7fj8hv/