On May 5 and 6, a significant number of students from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Pune took to the streets to voice their concerns regarding the purported “strip searches” of female students conducted during examinations in April. In response to the protests, the administration has decided to revise the investigation procedures to incorporate representation from the student body.
According to a communication from the student association, the troubling incidents reportedly took place on April 24, when first-year students underwent extensive searches during an exam. The allegation specifies that a staff member raised concerns after observing notes on a female student’s hand, which led to the controversial searches.
The email statement detailed that a housekeeping staff member allegedly used force to strip a student, exposing her body despite her clear objections and non-consent. The student association emphasized the importance of bodily autonomy and a secure campus environment, invoking Article 21 of the Constitution and UGC regulations.
In the wake of these events, students have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the operations of IISER’s Internal Committee regarding the matter.
The IISER administration acknowledged the students’ complaints through a statement provided to The Indian Express, affirming their awareness of the allegations concerning malpractice during the recent end-semester examinations. They assured that a committee would conduct a thorough investigation in accordance with established protocols.
The administration further clarified that the Internal Committee is currently pursuing an inquiry, but under Section 16 of the 2013 PoSH Act, the details of the complaint and the identities of those involved must remain confidential.
A student who participated in the discussions mentioned that on May 6, the IISER administration agreed to include student representatives in a newly formed fact-finding committee. “On the second day of the protests, the authorities engaged with us and accepted some of our requests, including student representation on the committee. We do not have any further protests planned at this time,” the student stated, wishing to remain anonymous.
On May 7, the Dean of Student and Campus Activities disseminated a summary of the discussions between student representatives and IISER officials. The summary indicated that an initial fact-finding committee had been established approximately one week prior, and senior administrators consented to expand it to include four student representatives, four faculty members, and one non-teaching staff member.
Soham Shah serves as a correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Pune. With a degree in journalism and experience in fact-checking, he approaches his reporting with a focus on meticulous research.
Professional Background
Role: Correspondent covering educational and civic matters in Pune.
Specialization: While primarily focused on education, he also addresses civic issues, public health, human rights, and state politics.
Key Strength: Soham is committed to data-driven reporting on educational institutions, governmental reports, and public infrastructure.
Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025)
His late 2025 articles reflect a shift from education-centric reporting to impactful investigative journalism and human rights issues:
- Investigations & Governance
- “Express Impact: Mother’s name now a must to download birth certificate from PMC site” (Dec 20, 2025): Coverage of a significant policy update by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) following his earlier articles advocating for gender inclusivity in administrative documents.
- “44-Acre Mahar Land Controversy: In June, Pune official sought land eviction at Pawar son firm behest” (Nov 9, 2025): An investigative report on real estate discrepancies involving prominent political families.
- Education & Campus Life
- “Faculty crisis at SPPU hits research, admin work: 62% of govt-sanctioned posts vacant, over 75% in many depts” (Sept 12, 2025): An investigation into the shortage of professors at Savitribai Phule Pune University.
- “Maharashtra’s controversial third language policy: Why National Curriculum Framework recommends a third language from Class 6” (July 2): An exploration of the contentious decision to introduce a third language from Class 1 in the state.
- “Decline in number of schools, teachers in Maharashtra but student enrolment up: Report” (Jan 2025): Analysis of inconsistencies in state education data amid rising student numbers.
- Human Rights & Social Issues
- “Aanchal Mamidawar was brave after her family killed her boyfriend” (Dec 17, 2025): A poignant opinion piece addressing honor killings and the “crime of love” in contemporary India.
- “‘People disrespect the disabled’: Meet the man who has become face of racist attacks on Indians” (Nov 29, 2025): A profile of a Pune resident facing severe physical challenges and the global online harassment he endured, spotlighting issues of disability and cyberbullying.
Signature Style
Soham is recognized for his civil liberties perspective. His reporting often highlights the struggles of marginalized groups, whether it involves students advocating for campus democracy, victims of outdated social norms, or residents dealing with deteriorating urban infrastructure, as seen in his “Breathless Pune” contributions. He skillfully connects local issues in Pune to broader national dialogues concerning law and personal freedoms.
X (Twitter): @SohamShah07
