"He Sniffed My Hair, Touched...": Bengaluru Student Accuses College HOD Of Sexual Harassment
A student from a private university in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, has accused her Head of Department (HOD), Dr Sanjeev Kumar Mandal, of sexual harassment and coercion.
The student, who has requested anonymity, shared a detailed account of the incident on Reddit earlier this week, claiming that the HOD allegedly exploited his position of authority to manipulate and assault her under the pretext of academic discussions.
According to the student’s post, the incident began on September 22, when Dr Mandal allegedly called her to his office to discuss attendance, but soon steered the conversation into personal territory — asking questions such as “Do you have a boyfriend?” and “Is your relationship serious?”.
He reportedly told her, “You should break up with him; men just try to get physical and then leave you,” before commenting on her appearance and inviting her to his home to “clear doubts,” assuring her that his “wife and kids are home.”
The student alleged that Dr Mandal later contacted her parents, persuading them to let her take accommodation near his residence so that she could visit whenever needed.
On September 25, she claims he asked her to meet him in the basement of the college, insisting she accompany him to his flat for a private discussion. Despite multiple refusals, she said she eventually complied after he mentioned having spoken to her mother and repeated that she was “safe.”
However, according to her statement, once inside his flat, Dr Mandal allegedly revealed that his “wife and kids are not home,” and proceeded to touch her inappropriately under the guise of checking her earring.
The student recounted that he “sniffed [her] hair, touched [her] back from inside [her] top, and played with [her] bra,” even after she repeatedly told him she was uncomfortable. When she protested, he allegedly replied, “I can see that on your face, but don’t worry, my intentions aren’t bad.”
She said she managed to escape after receiving a phone call from a friend and pretended to leave for an emergency. Before she left, he allegedly warned her not to tell anyone, saying, “You know my reputation in college. Please don’t ghost me after this.”
The survivor said she was traumatised and initially hesitant to file a complaint due to fear of academic retaliation, as she still had six months of college left.
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However, with help from Broseph, a Bengaluru-based student rights and legal support group, she filed an FIR on October 5 at the local police station. The FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code dealing with sexual harassment and assault.
Following the complaint, police reportedly conducted a spot verification at the professor’s residence. During this, the survivor had to recount and reenact parts of the incident for documentation. The professor was later taken into police custody, as per sources familiar with the investigation.
The student also alleged that college officials called her during the filing of the FIR, allegedly urging her to “not proceed legally” and instead discuss the matter internally. A volunteer from Broseph’s team intervened, questioning why the college was discussing academic attendance when the issue involved sexual harassment.
The survivor expressed concern that the university may attempt to “emotionally coerce” or intimidate her into withdrawing the FIR. “I’m scared the college will try to expel me or ruin my marks for filing the case,” she wrote.
The incident has sparked outrage among students and social media users, who are demanding accountability and a safer environment on campuses.
Many praised the survivor’s courage for speaking up, emphasising the need for stronger mechanisms to address sexual harassment in educational institutions.
Deccan Herald earlier reported that Dr Sanjeev Kumar Mandal has been booked following the FIR, and that police investigation is underway.
As of now, neither the university nor Dr Mandal has issued a public statement. “I’m sharing this so that other girls who have been affected by this man can speak up,” the survivor wrote. “I’m sharing it so people know this is not okay,” she concluded her words.
