BHUJ: Staffs of a college in Gujarat, led by the principal reportedly humiliated dozens of girls insulting, parading and forcing them to remove their underwear to prove they weren't on their periods.

The Ahmedabad Mirror reported that Shri Sahjanand Girls' Institute, located in Bhuj, adheres to norms requiring menstruating women to avoid physical contact with other students, and stay out of the kitchen and a nearby temple.

Around 1,500 students are enrolled at the college, run by Swaminarayan Mandir followers. The principal stepped in after receiving a complaint that menstruating women had violated norms banning contact with others or entering the kitchen and temple.

One student said the women were interrupted during lessons, publicly asked which of them was on her period, and forced to take off their underwear in a restroom. Another student said the harassment was routine.

Another student explained that women from distant Gujarat villages had to live in a hostel housing school students, in the absence of dedicated accommodation for college-goers. A trustee told them they were welcome to go to court, but imposed two conditions: the women should leave the school hostel and sign a declaration denying that anything had happened to them.

Neither the trustee nor the principal, who is a woman, responded to requests for comment. But two other officials -- including a second trustee -- have promised "action". No specifics are mentioned.

A third student said college authorities subjected parents to emotional blackmail as they urged them not to seek police intervention.