Around 500 female students from a university in Haryana have bravely come forward, accusing a professor of sexual harassment, triggering a thorough investigation by local authorities.
500 female students from a university in Haryana, have stepped forward, alleging a professor of engaging in sexual harassment. The students have taken their concerns to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the governor, and the women’s commission, urging action against the implicated professor at Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa.
The accusations center around the professor's alleged exploitation of students after summoning them to his office. The students' letter gained momentum on social media, prompting local authorities to establish a special investigation team (SIT). This incident marks the fourth formal complaint against the same professor.
Rajesh Bansal, the CDLU registrar, acknowledged prior anonymous letters received last year but emphasised that internal investigations consistently found the allegations baseless. The current allegations, involving 500 students, are considered more severe, prompting the university to actively cooperate with law enforcement.
The letter describes inappropriate conduct within the professor's office, detailing threats against those who protested. The students claim the professor tampered with evidence, including erasing CCTV footage from his room. Fearing reprisals, students refrained from providing personal details, citing concerns about their family's reputation.
The SIT, led by Sirsa ASP Deepti Garg and three women inspectors, has commenced gathering statements from professors. However, some teachers have chosen not to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Responding to the allegations, the accused professor denies them, attributing the situation to a malicious campaign and describing it as political vendetta due to his involvement in university affairs. He asserts his readiness for a comprehensive investigation to clear his name.