MANDI:
The principal of Government Hydro Engineering College at Bandla in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Himanshu Moga, has been arrested following serious allegations of sexual harassment by students. Also, an alleged related video has gone viral on social media, triggering massive protests by students demanding his immediate dismissal and strict legal action.
The video that surfaced Thursday afternoon shows the accused principal allegedly engaging in obscene behaviour with a female student admitted to a hospital. In the footage, he appears to be inappropriately touching the student under a blanket. This video, along with a formal complaint from the student, sparked widespread outrage on campus.
By evening, students gathered in large numbers at the college gate, staging a sit-in protest that continued late into the night. Protesters shouted slogans, burnt an effigy of the principal and demanded justice. Family members of students joined the agitation, raising concerns about the safety of girls in college hostels.
Bilaspur Superintendent of Police Sandeep Dhawal confirmed the arrest, stating, “The principal has been taken into custody following a student’s complaint. An FIR has been registered and a thorough investigation is underway from all angles.” The accused resides in Ward No. 11, Lakhanpur, near the Police Line in Bilaspur.
Earlier complaints had also surfaced. A previous allegation dating back to his tenure at Sundernagar Engineering College was submitted through the Samagra e-Samadhan portal on April 8. The complainant alleged that the principal had a history of inappropriate behaviour toward female students, including sending indecent messages and making unsolicited calls.
Local residents and officials have voiced strong condemnation. Satish Thakur, pradhan of Bandla panchayat, said, “Himanshu Moga repeatedly harassed girls. He used to summon them to his cabin and behave inappropriately. Strict action must be taken against him.”
In response to the escalating situation, Himachal Pradesh Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani called the incident “deeply shameful”. He confirmed that the complaint was recently received and has been handed over to the department’s sexual harassment committee for investigation. The committee, led by a female principal of a government polytechnic, has been instructed to submit a report within two days.
“The government will act decisively based on the findings of the inquiry. No one will be spared if found guilty,” the minister assured.
Munish Sood
