JABALPUR: Authorities in Madhya Pradesh have detained a university clerk accused of sexually assaulting a 22-year-old woman on campus, after allegedly enticing her with promises of employment.
Police announced the arrest on Saturday of Durga Shankar Singerha, a 58-year-old upper division clerk (UDC) at Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University, along with Mukesh Sen, a peon. The two were taken into custody in connection with the alleged rape.
The victim, who resides in Tilwara, learned of potential contractual positions at the university through social media postings approximately 20 days prior. While seeking contact information, she phoned the vice-chancellor’s office, where Singerha reportedly took the call. He confirmed the openings and instructed her to bring her documents to the campus.
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The following day, the woman visited the university, and Singerha assured her he could arrange a position following discussions with the vice-chancellor. He requested she stay in touch. Over the ensuing period, police stated, Singerha met her multiple times in the city, consistently claiming the hiring process was advancing and that an interview was forthcoming.
On Thursday, Singerha contacted her, summoning her to the campus for what he described as an interview. He then directed her to Sen’s on-campus residence. Once there, the peon allegedly exited and locked the door from outside.
“The woman alleged that Singerha raped her despite her protests,” according to police accounts.
After the incident, the accused reportedly transported her off campus and warned her of reputational harm while pledging employment if she kept quiet.
The survivor subsequently confided in her family and lodged a formal complaint at Adhartal police station. Officers apprehended both suspects at their residences shortly afterward.
The men appeared in court on Friday and were placed in judicial custody.
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