At Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Haryana’s Rohtak, four female sanitation workers were allegedly forced by two male supervisors to prove that they were menstruating. The shocking incident took place on October 26, the same day Haryana Governor Asim Kumar Ghosh was visiting the campus.
According to reports, a few women workers arrived late for duty that morning. When questioned by their supervisors, identified as Vinod Kumar and Vitender Kumar, they explained that they had been delayed because of “women’s illness,” referring to menstruation. However, instead of accepting their explanation, the supervisors allegedly accused them of lying and demanded proof.
The women claimed that one of them was told to remove her clothes, while another was ordered to check the sanitary pads of her colleagues. In some instances, the men even took photographs of the pads as “evidence.”
Outraged and humiliated, the women began protesting on the spot. Their cries drew the attention of students and other sanitation staff, who joined them in demanding action against the supervisors.
Following the uproar, MDU Registrar Dr. Krishnakant Gupta and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajveer Singh rushed to the scene and met with the women. The university immediately suspended both supervisors and instructed them to remain in Rohtak until the inquiry concludes. Police later took the accused in for questioning.
The Haryana Women’s Commission also took suo motu cognisance of the case. Commission Chairperson Renu Bhatia strongly condemned the act, saying, “There can be nothing more outrageous than asking a woman to prove her menstrual cycle.” She confirmed that the commission had written to the Superintendent of Police in Rohtak seeking a detailed report and assured that the victims’ safety and dignity would be protected.
Meanwhile, the university administration has pledged a thorough investigation and promised that strict action will be taken against anyone found guilty.
