‘Moral policing’ charge at girls’ hostel: ‘Increasing political interference,’ says SPPU teacher’s body

The Savitribai Phule Teachers Association has raised concerns about "increasing political interference" at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) following an alleged incident of "moral policing" in a girls' hostel. According to the association, two male students, Pramod Rathod and Omkar Gore, entered the girls' hostel at night and attempted to "moral police" a female student who was sitting with a male friend.

The students claim that the two male students, who are associated with the Yuva Sena student wing of the Shiv Sena, were shielded by campus authorities, despite being present in an area where men are not permitted.

Vice Chancellor Suresh Gosavi denied the allegation, stating that decisions should be made with compassion towards all groups. Additionally, Additional Rector Pravin Talat and Chief Rector Soniya Nagrale offered their resignations in the wake of the incident, but their resignations were not fully acknowledged in the media. The teachers association has accused the university administration of succumbing to political pressure and not standing firmly by the professors, who are required to take on additional responsibilities, resulting in mental distress.

The association threatened to initiate a 'mass reading' protest if the administration continued to give in to political pressure.