Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 28: St Xavier’s College has come under sharp scrutiny after over a dozen students accused an invited speaker of sexual harassment during Antas, the Hindi department’s annual festival. The alleged misconduct, which occurred on November 24 during the fest’s national seminar, has sparked widespread outrage, a student protest, and intense debate on social media.

The issue came to light when several volunteers threatened to boycott the remaining events unless the college took action. On November 25, Antas’s official Instagram handle issued an apology acknowledging “misbehaviour by a guest,” further fuelling public attention.

According to a Mid-day report citing students and their friends, the speaker — who had been provided accommodation in the college’s guest quarters — began causing discomfort soon after arriving on November 23. He allegedly insisted on receiving paan masala despite being informed that such substances were banned on campus. When a male volunteer delivered it to his room, he was reportedly shocked to find the speaker fully naked.

The situation worsened the next morning. The speaker allegedly moved across the campus clicking photos of female students without consent, collecting their phone numbers, and even groping one student. A college priest who confronted him reportedly found several non-consensual images of students on his phone and deleted them.

While the matter was reported to faculty members and the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) by the afternoon of November 24, students claim action was delayed as the principal was not on campus at the time. By evening, volunteers had refused to continue their fest duties, demanding immediate removal of the guest. Around 8 pm, the administration instructed students to escort him off the campus — but, notably, he was reportedly never formally informed of the allegations.

College Faces Backlash Over Handling of Incident

Principal Dr Karuna Gokarn, speaking to Mid-day, said the speaker was observed misbehaving and was asked to leave the same day. She maintained that all safety protocols were followed and urged victims to file formal complaints with the ICC.

However, many students believe the college attempted to downplay the gravity of the incident. Members of the organising committee allege that the principal advised them not to speak publicly about the matter and hinted that the college would not pursue legal action.

The controversy has now sparked large-scale criticism, with students and netizens demanding greater accountability, stricter safety measures during college events, and transparent action against misconduct on campus.