Karnataka: University professor slapped with sexual harassment charge

Hubbali: The assistant professor of the department of studies in Criminology and forensic science has been facing charges of sexual harassment from a student who hails from West Bengal. Though the complaint was lodged with the Vice-chancellor a few months ago, the University authorities have failed to initiate an inquiry against him. Now, they have constituted a committee headed by the syndicate member, Devaki Yoganand, to interrogate the professor, only after she threatened to approach the home minister for delay in taking action. The university registrar has clarified that punitive action will be taken against the professor on Tuesday.

The student had complained to the vice-chancellor, Dr Pramod Ghai on December 19, last year and stated that the professor had threatened to cut her marks if she did not fulfil his sexual favour.  

The authorities kept quiet for several months even though she had also alleged that the professor had slapped her, threatening her with rape. She had also stated in a written complaint that the professor did not respect the girl students.   

The issue has come to the fore in the last two days and authorities have decided to take action against the assistant professor only when he is embroiled in financial irregularities. “It is very unfortunate that a sexual harassment case is reported in our University. We have withheld the salary of the professor after we found that he has misappropriated Rs 75,000. The committee will take a decision about suspending him ", the registrar Mallikarjun Patil said.