By Abhimanyu:
Subhadra Murmu is an Adivasi (ST) final year nursing student at Shrirama Chandra Bhanj (SCB) Medical College, Odisha who has alleged that her principal physically harassed her.
According to Murmu, she used foul and casteist language and pulled her hair for not wearing a scarf. Speaking exclusively to YKA, she said, “It’s not the first incident where such a thing happened. We never dared to complain earlier as we don’t have evidence against her. Now, I have an audio recording of her which is crucial evidence. We will produce it before the concerned authorities.”
She also told YKA that sine die (adjourned with no specified date for resumption) was imposed in the campus to break the unity of the students. “First, second and fourth-year students are in support of the protest. Only third-year students are not supporting us. They are supporting the principal.”
Later, the students met with the Health Minister of Odisha. After his assurance that appropriate action will be taken, the protest was called off temporarily. On 24th May 2016, students will review the action as promised to them by the Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak.
Murmu restated her demand to YKA, “My demand is that the principal be transferred immediately. I don’t want her to go to jail or lose her job.” She added that if nothing happens she will take this matter with up with concerned higher authorities. “I will officially lodge my complaint at the SC/ST commission and the state commission for women,” she says, hopeful that she will get justice.
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