Shocking sexual assault at Tirupati National Sanskrit University: Two assistant professors arrested

A disturbing incident has come to light at Tirupati National Sanskrit University (NSU), one of India’s most prestigious institutions, where a female student was allegedly sexually assaulted and blackmailed by two assistant professors. The accused, Lakshman Kumar and A. Shekhar Reddy, were arrested by Tirupati police on Tuesday.

According to the police, the student, who enrolled in the B.Ed course in June this year, was approached by Assistant Professor Lakshman Kumar under the pretext of providing academic guidance. He allegedly assaulted her in his office. Investigations revealed that Assistant Professor Shekhar Reddy recorded photos and videos of the incident and, along with Kumar, repeatedly threatened and blackmailed the student, claiming they would post the material on social media.

The matter came to light after the university exams ended on November 21. The student, originally from Odisha, confided in her hostel warden due to fear and anxiety. Acting promptly, the warden guided her to formally file a complaint with the University’s Anti-Sexual Harassment Committee on November 24.

Following the complaint, NSU formed an internal inquiry committee on December 1. Preliminary findings suggested there was a prior acquaintance between the student and Lakshman Kumar, but the student had not formally confirmed any relationship, Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Krishnamurthy told the media. After completing the internal investigation, the university administration filed a formal police complaint on December 6.

Tirupati police registered a case under Sections 75(1), 77, 79, and 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3(5) of the RW Act. The distressed student temporarily left her studies and returned to her hometown in Odisha. A special officer, West Circle Inspector V. Murali Mohan Rao, was sent to record her statement. Subsequently, Sections 63 (Forced Sexual Acts) and 68 (Sexual Misconduct by a Person in Authority) were added, further intensifying the charges.

Based on crucial evidence collected and the student’s statement, both professors were arrested Tuesday evening and remanded by the court.

The incident has not only tarnished NSU’s reputation but also raised serious concerns about the safety of female students in educational institutions across the state. It highlights the urgent need for universities to enforce stricter safety measures and accountability for staff conduct.