Transgender ex-student missing as family accuses Ashoka University of influence

A case involving a transgender former student of Ashoka University has raised serious concerns and debate. The student’s parents have accused the university of influencing their child’s thinking, while authorities are now trying to locate the individual and understand the situation.

The Haryana State Commission for Women has asked the police in Rohtak and Sonepat to present the former student before it. The commission wants to ensure the person’s safety and understand their current condition. The case has become sensitive because it involves family concerns, personal freedom, and allegations against an educational institution.

Family concerns and allegations

The parents of the former student, both of whom are academicians, say they have not met their child for more than two years. They expressed deep emotional distress and said they are worried about their child’s safety and well-being.

According to the father, his child was a bright student who scored 96 per cent in Class 12. He said the family spent a large amount of money on education at Ashoka University, hoping for a successful future. However, he now feels that his child has been taken away from the family.

The parents claim that they do not know where their child is living or what condition they are in. They said they only want to meet their child and ensure that everything is fine. The father also said that the family is willing to accept their child’s choices and lifestyle, but they are worried that the student may be in trouble.

The situation dates back to October 24, 2023, when the student reportedly left home. The family filed a police complaint, and based on call records, the student was traced to the house of a university employee. However, the parents allege that when police reached the location, the student was helped to leave.

Two days later, the student was found and gave a statement to the police. The student said they had left home because of alleged parental abuse and did not want to return. The student also stated that they were an adult and had the right to live independently. The same statement was repeated in court, after which the case was closed.

In May 2024, the student approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection and personal liberty. The court allowed the student to live independently and did not force any interaction with the family. During the hearing, the parents also said they would not interfere in their child’s life if the child did not want contact.

Despite this, the parents continued to pursue the matter. They later approached the women’s commission, claiming that certain activists, university faculty members, and others may have influenced their child’s decisions. They even demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency, alleging “indoctrination”.

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Investigation and official response

During a recent hearing, the chairperson of the women’s commission, Renu Bhatia, said the matter is serious and needs careful attention. She stated that the commission does not want to force the student to meet the parents but wants to ensure that the person is safe and living in proper conditions.

The commission insisted that the student should appear in person. However, the student’s lawyer said that the individual was willing to appear through video conferencing to show they are safe and mentally sound. This request was not accepted by the commission.

The case has also drawn attention because of allegations made against a faculty member and transgender rights activist. The parents claimed that certain individuals were influencing students at the university. However, no evidence has been officially confirmed regarding these claims.

A university official, who was called to the hearing, said that the institution has no information about the former student’s current location. The university also clarified that the student was enrolled from August 2019 to May 2023 and is no longer associated with the institution.

In its official statement, the university said the student chose to live independently after leaving home in October 2023. It also mentioned that the court had granted permission for the student to live wherever they wished.

This case highlights a complex situation involving personal freedom, family concerns, and social issues. On one hand, the parents are worried and want to reconnect with their child. On the other hand, the student has clearly expressed the desire to live independently.

Authorities are now trying to balance both sides. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of the individual while also addressing the concerns raised by the family.

As the investigation continues, the outcome of this case may raise important questions about personal rights, family relationships, and the role of institutions in such sensitive matters.