Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU) in Sirsa, India, has been rocked by allegations of sexual harassment against a faculty member. Female students have come forward, demanding an inquiry into the professor’s conduct.
The Accusations:
- Anonymous letters sent to the university’s vice-chancellor, the Haryana women’s commission, and other authorities allege that the professor tried to molest students and called them alone to his office.
- Nearly 500 students have signed the letters, highlighting the severity and extent of the accusations.
- Students allege that the professor deleted CCTV footage of his “obscene acts” to cover his tracks.
Student Protests:
- Female students held a protest outside the main gate of the university, demanding a fair and transparent inquiry.
- The protest garnered media attention and put pressure on the university administration to take action.
Professor’s Response:
Meanwhile, the professor said a false and malicious campaign has been launched against him and he is ready for any probe. “I am being targeted by some people because of my activeness in the university work. I am ready for any probe and this is a political vendetta,” he added.
University and Police Response:
- The university registrar RK Bansal confirmed receiving the anonymous letters and assured that an internal sexual harassment committee would conduct a thorough probe.
- The investigation will be conducted in collaboration with the police to ensure complete transparency and fairness.
- The Sirsa Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Deepti Garg has acknowledged the initiation of an inquiry into the matter. She said they have started a probe into the matter and so far, no FIR has been registered.
Demands for Justice:
- Students are demanding a swift and impartial inquiry into the allegations.
- They are also calling for the professor’s suspension or removal from the university if the accusations are proven true.
- The students have written a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the state’s governor Bandaru Dattatreya, and the women’s commission to take action against the professor
This case is still under investigation, and it is important to avoid jumping to conclusions or making unsubstantiated claims. However, it is clear that the students’ voices have been heard, and the university is taking steps to address their concerns.