Hidden Camera At Andhra College Girls' Hostel Washroom: Andhra CM Orders Enquiry

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Friday ordered an investigation after a hidden camera was discovered in the washroom of the girls' hostel at an engineering college in the state's Krishna district late on Thursday.

Hundreds of female students staged an overnight protest at Gudlavalleru College of Engineering in Gudivada after one student alerted others about the presence of a hidden camera in the hostel's washroom.

Reports surfaced alleging that videos from the washroom were circulated within the boys' hostel and that a senior female student from the final year was involved in setting up the hidden camera. The protesting students voiced their concerns about safety and privacy on campus, gathering in front of the college building and chanting "We want justice," demanding strict action against those responsible.

Some students reportedly attempted to attack another student accused of selling the videos recorded by the hidden camera.

Police were called to the college, and a final-year B Tech student was taken into custody. His laptop and cell phones were confiscated. Krishna district Superintendent of Police (SP) R Gangadhar Rao, who visited the college and conducted a preliminary investigation, stated that no hidden cameras were found during the inspection of the girls' hostel.

"We have seized the suspect's laptop, mobile phones, and other electronic devices in the presence of students and college staff. No incriminating videos were found. I believe there is no need for the female students to worry about this matter. Further investigation is underway," Rao said.

An official statement from the Chief Minister's office confirmed that Naidu had ordered an inquiry into the incident, instructing district minister Kollu Ravindra and the SP to engage with the students to gather the facts.

State Education Minister Nara Lokesh, addressing the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stated that he had requested details from the concerned authorities and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible. "I have asked for information regarding the protest by female students at Gudlavalleru Engineering College in Krishna District. An inquiry has been ordered into the hidden camera allegations. If the investigation reveals any wrongdoing, strict action will be taken against the culprits. College managements must take proactive measures to prevent ragging and harassment," Lokesh wrote on X.