Kannur University finds professor guilty

Kozhikode: A two-member committee of Kannur University formed to inquire into the complaints of mental and sexual harassment by Dr K.V. Ramakrishnan, head of the department, mathematical sciences, has found him prima facie guilty. 

The committee, formed on the directions of Governor P Sathasivam after he received complaints from three girl students, also recommended Dr Ramakrishnan’s removal from the post, pending a detailed enquiry.

DC had reported on the allegation of sexual harassment on March 4. Vice-chancellor Dr M.K. Abdul Khader had later revealed that the varsity had sent a report by the committee, comprising Dr Vineetha Menon (anthropology) and Dr Manjula Poyil (department of history),  to the chancellor.

The report, a copy of which is with this newspaper, says that “the committee is convinced that there is prima facie evidence of mental and physical harassment by the defendant Dr K.V. Ramakrishnan as alleged by the complainants”. The report called for a “detailed enquiry and cross examination giving both complainants and defendant the opportunity for hearing as per the guidelines of the Visaka judgement and the Act of 2013 in a fully constituted enquiry committee.” The report said the five witnesses of the defendant failed to convince the committee of his innocence.   

“Further enquiries in a fully constituted committee should be conducted and that such an enquiry would have to be done not with the defendant in a position of power over the complainants and possible witnesses,” the report said.

It urged the university to increase the strength of the permanent faculty, especially that of female faculty, to ensure constitution of several mandatory bodies for the safe working environment on the campus.