500 Girls Alleges University Professor Of Sexual Misconduct In Haryana's Sirsa
A sexual misconduct allegation has been raised against a professor n Chaudhary Devi Lal University in Sirsa, Haryana by nearly 500 girl students. The students claimed that the professor has been sexually exploiting them for days after calling them to his chamber, Times of India reports. On Thursday, they have sent a letter to the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Governor and the women”s commission and apparently this is the fourth letter written by the students in this regard. University”s internal complaints committee has given a clean chit twice to the alleged perpetrator. As the student”s letter is gaining traction in social media, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been set up to inquire into the matter.
Deepti Garg, the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) stated that after preliminary investigation, they would register an First Information Report (FIR). “Let us investigate the allegations made in the letter first. We will take action based on our findings, ASP added. However, professor denied the allegations, and dismissed them as “political vendetta”. “I am being targeted because I have been active in some work at the university. I am ready to face any probe against me. This is nothing but political vendetta,” the professor argued.
As per the sources, first letter citing allegations was sent to the University Vice-Chancellor in June last year. Following, the university conducted internal enquiry but unable to locate any evidence to support the allegation. In November and December, two more letters were sent to the governor, and governor”s office demanded another investigation from the university, but this time also the professor walked free.
In the recent letter, there were allegation against him on inappropriate touching of the girl students. “He calls us individually to his office bathroom and touches us inappropriately . . . When we protested against this, he threatened us with dire consequences,” the letter read.
Besides, it claimed that the professor destroys all evidence, including his room”s CCTV footage. “We have no faith in the university. Please help us get justice . . . Please get this professor removed and appoint someone else,” the girls wrote in the letter. The students also stated that they can”t reveal their names and details since it will tarnish their images if no action was taken against the accused. “The dignity of our family will be at stake,” they said. The professor has threatened them of expulsion if they speak against him, the students adds. They also added that the professor has got political influence.
Rajesh Bansal, the university registrar, validated that they have received letter against the professor before, and claims that internal investigation found the allegations are unfounded. Continuing further he said: “since the letter now mentions 500 girls, police and the university are taking a relook at the matter.”
(With Inputs from Times of India)
