Pune: IISER Students Protest Alleged Strip-Search and Harassment During Semester Exams

Pune, 7th May 2026: Students at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune staged protests over two days after allegations surfaced that some first-year students were subjected to intrusive and humiliating checks during end-semester examinations.

The controversy emerged after the IISER Student Council circulated a letter detailing complaints raised by students regarding alleged frisking procedures conducted during examinations held in April. According to the letter, a female student was reportedly taken out of an examination hall on April 24 after invigilators allegedly noticed writing on her hand. She was then asked to remove her jacket and taken to a separate room for further checking.

Students alleged that the girl was subjected to a strip-search by a female housekeeping employee despite objecting to the process. They claimed the room where the search was conducted did not have CCTV surveillance and that the student had repeatedly expressed discomfort and refused consent.

The letter further alleged that another male student was physically frisked and patted down after being asked to remove his jacket, while a second female student was allegedly instructed to lift her shirt during questioning over suspected malpractice. According to students, no incriminating material was found in either case.

The institute administration acknowledged receiving complaints related to the examination procedures and said an inquiry would be conducted. In a statement, IISER Pune said the administration was aware of concerns raised by students over an alleged malpractice-related incident during recent examinations and that a committee would investigate the matter while following established protocols.

During discussions between students and institute authorities, officials reportedly denied that any “disrobing” had taken place and maintained that separate rooms were arranged to ensure privacy while checking students suspected of unfair practices.

The protests intensified as students demanded accountability from the administration. Among their key demands are the immediate removal of the dean of academics and the associate dean of academics, a formal apology from those responsible, and a written assurance that no student would face humiliating or invasive searches in the future.

Students have also called for the formation of an independent inquiry panel with equal student representation and safeguards to ensure that housekeeping staff involved in the incident are not subjected to harassment or punitive action.