IIT Jodhpur Professor Sentenced to 10 Years Rigorous Imprisonment for Rape of Ex-Student
Noida: An associate professor from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by a local fast-track court for the rape of a former student in 2019. The accused, Vivek Vijay Vargiya, was 45 years old at the time of the incident, while the victim was 35.
Background of the Case
Vivek Vijay Vargiya, who teaches mathematics and holds a PhD in statistics from IIT-Powai, had a long-standing acquaintance with the victim. He had initially taught her in 2000 at a private coaching institute in Kota, his hometown. Their paths crossed again in 2011 when she was employed on a contractual basis at IIT Jodhpur for a few months.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on June 6, 2019, when the former student visited Vargiya at the GAIL guesthouse in Film City to discuss job opportunities. According to her complaint, during the meeting, Vargiya allegedly asked her if she was “ready to pay a price” and then forced himself upon her.
After the assault, the victim left the guesthouse in tears and reported the incident to the reception and security personnel before contacting the police. The police took both individuals to the station, where a case was registered against Vargiya.
Legal Proceedings
The case was filed under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to rape. Following the filing of the complaint, Vargiya was arrested the next day at a metro station.
During the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim and Mangeram, a security personnel at the guesthouse. They also provided CCTV footage and forensic evidence to support the charges against Vargiya. The forensic report indicated the presence of male DNA in the vaginal swab and undergarments of the victim, and injury marks on her body corroborated her account of the assault.
Defense and Verdict
In his defense, Vargiya denied the charges, admitting to knowing the complainant and exchanging emails regarding job assistance, but he refuted having met her at the guesthouse. His legal counsel argued that the delay in filing the FIR and the lack of independent witnesses raised doubts about the credibility of the victim’s claims.
However, the judge, Additional Sessions Judge Priyanka Kumari, noted that the CCTV footage confirmed the entry and exit of the victim from the guesthouse, and the testimony of Mangeram supported her account. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt and pronounced Vargiya guilty on November 27, 2025.
Sentencing
On December 1, 2025, the court sentenced Vargiya to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The prosecution had requested the strictest punishment for the crime, while the defense sought leniency, citing Vargiya’s responsibilities as a father of two and his ailing parents. The judge clarified that the time already spent in custody during the trial would be deducted from the sentence.
Following the verdict, Vargiya, who had been out on bail, was taken into custody immediately. His suspension from IIT Jodhpur occurred after his arrest in 2019, but it was revoked four months later when he was granted bail. He had resumed his duties and was promoted to associate professor in July 2023.
Institutional Response
Preetinder Kaur, the assistant registrar for public relations at IIT Jodhpur, stated that the institution had not yet received official information regarding the court’s order and would make decisions based on its internal rules.
Conclusion
The case has drawn significant attention and raised discussions about safety and accountability within educational institutions. It highlights the importance of addressing allegations of sexual violence seriously and ensuring that justice is served.
Note: This article is based on reports from The Times of India and other sources. The legal proceedings and outcomes are subject to appeal and further legal scrutiny.
