IIT Jodhpur prof gets 10-yr RIfor raping ex-student in Noida | Jaipur News – The Times of India
Noida: An associate professor from IIT Jodhpur has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by a local fast-track court after being found guilty of raping a former student in 2019. The victim, who was 35 years old at the time of the incident, reported that the professor, Vivek Vijay Vargiya, 45, assaulted her during a meeting at a guesthouse.
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 taught her in 2000 at a private coaching institute in Kota and later met her again in 2011 when she briefly worked at IIT Jodhpur.
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. During their meeting, she alleged that he asked if she was “ready to pay a price” and subsequently forced himself on her.
After the assault, the victim exited the guesthouse in tears and immediately informed the reception and security personnel, as well as calling the police. Officers took both individuals to the police 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. The prosecution sought the strictest punishment for Vargiya, while his defense team argued for leniency, citing his responsibilities as a father and caretaker of his ailing parents.
On November 27, 2025, Additional Sessions Judge Priyanka Kumari pronounced Vargiya guilty, and on December 1, he was sentenced. The judge noted that any time already served in custody would be deducted from the sentence.
Evidence Presented
The prosecution presented substantial evidence, including:
- Testimonies from four witnesses, including the victim and a security officer who was on duty at the guesthouse.
- CCTV footage from the guesthouse that confirmed the entry and exit of the victim.
- A forensic report that indicated the presence of male DNA in the victim’s vaginal swab and her undergarments, along with injury marks on her private parts.
In contrast, the defense presented a witness who testified in favor of Vargiya, claiming that the accusations were fabricated due to the victim’s failure to secure a job with his assistance. They also questioned the delay in filing the FIR and the lack of independent witnesses.
Judgment and Aftermath
After considering the arguments and evidence, the judge concluded that the prosecution had proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Following his conviction, Vargiya was taken into custody, having been on bail prior to the verdict.
Vargiya was initially suspended from his position at IIT Jodhpur after his arrest in 2019. However, upon receiving bail four months later, his suspension was lifted, allowing him to resume his duties. In July 2023, he was even promoted to the position of associate professor.
Institutional Response
In response to the court’s ruling, Preetinder Kaur, the assistant registrar for public relations at IIT Jodhpur, stated that the institution had not yet received official notification of the court’s order and would take appropriate action in accordance with its internal rules.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Vivek Vijay Vargiya has highlighted critical issues surrounding sexual assault and accountability within educational institutions. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing such serious allegations with the utmost seriousness and integrity.
Note: This article is based on information available as of December 2025 and aims to provide a factual account of the legal proceedings related to the case.
