KOLLAM: The bail pleas of the women employees arrested in the incident of removing the innerwear of girls who came to write the NEET exam in Ayur Marthoma College, were rejected. The Kollam Kadakkal Magistrate Court rejected the plea citing violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.

College employees and natives of Ayur identified as S Mariyamma, K Mariyamma, star security employees Geethu, Jyotsna Joby and Beena, natives of Manjapra are those arrested in the case. They were remanded for two weeks. A case was registered against them under IPC 354 (insulting womanhood) and IPC-509 (defamation). The prosecution argued that more have to be arrested and bail should not be granted till then.

Meantime, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sought a report from National Testing Agency (NTA) in the incident. The NTA initially responded that they have not received the complaint. A committee was formed later to find out the truth. The committee will reach Kollam to take evidence. The statement of the students will also be recorded.