A late-night scare outside a girls' hostel associated with Presidency University in Salt Lake has once again raised questions about the safety of students living in the area. Hostel residents alleged that a man repeatedly engaged in obscene behaviour outside the premises before they confronted him and forced him to flee.
According to students, the incident unfolded between the early hours of Saturday night and Sunday morning near the hostel located in Salt Lake's BF Block. The accused was allegedly seen loitering near the building and making inappropriate gestures towards residents.
Students take matters into their own hands
According to The Times of India, hostel boarders claimed the man had been spotted engaging in similar behaviour in the past and that complaints had already been made to authorities months earlier. On Saturday night, residents said they initially felt frightened but later decided to confront the individual after his actions continued for an extended period.
Students alleged that the man was making obscene gestures towards the hostel and remained in the vicinity for more than an hour. Armed with brooms and sticks, a group of residents reportedly stepped outside after asking security personnel to open the gates.
By the time they attempted to approach him, the man allegedly escaped on a motorcycle. The students then informed the hostel authorities and contacted the police.
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Residents question security arrangements
According to The Times of India, the episode has drawn attention to what students describe as inadequate security measures around the hostel. Residents claimed that the two security guards posted at the gates were unaware of what was happening outside.
Several students expressed frustration over the lack of immediate intervention and said the area around the hostel remains vulnerable due to insufficient surveillance and poorly lit stretches of road.
They have demanded stronger security arrangements, improved monitoring systems and more frequent police patrols during the night.
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Fresh concerns over campus safety
According to The Times of India, the alleged incident has reignited concerns among students regarding harassment and safety around educational institutions in Salt Lake. Residents said they have repeatedly flagged issues involving suspicious individuals loitering near the hostel.
A video said to be related to the episode later surfaced on social media, although its authenticity could not be independently verified.
Police and civic officials stated that no formal written complaint had been submitted in connection with the incident at the time of reporting. However, the allegations have renewed calls from students for stronger preventive measures to ensure the safety and security of hostel residents.
