Coimbatore: The Vadavalli police have launched an official inquiry following accusations made by a former Bharathiar University (BU) student Haritha Chekkunni who alleged that she was verbally abused by head of department of Psychology. The 23-year-old student hails from Malappuram in Kerala.
Speaking to DC on Monday, A Murgan, Perur DSP said, “to determine the sequence of incidents that took place in November 2017, we are in the process of conducting an inquiry with three more students who are currently not at the university campus as they have gone on summer vacation. The hostel warden also named in the complaint, is on maternity leave. We will complete our inquiry in the next three days.” he said.
In a complaint sent to 12 persons including the police, the victim, who was a student of M.Sc. Psychology at BU alleged that in November last, she had requested Prema, hostel warden, to arrange for an ambulance to transport one of her roommates who took ill. The warden turned down the request. Haritha confirmed that no vehicle was arranged for her. Instead, the following day, she was allegedly locked up in a room by Dharmaraj, chief warden, and Velayudham, head of department of Psychology.
The girl student also complained that the HOD called her to his room where she was ‘ abused’. A depressed Haritha filed a complaint against Velayudham, Prema and Dharmaraj and demanded that action be taken against them. “Even before I could write my semester examinations, I was asked to apply for my transfer certificate (TC). I was also asked not to take legal action against anyone.” Haritha alleged.
Dharmaraj, chief warden, who was arrested by the DVAC in the BU vice-chancellor graft case, is currently out on bail.
Meanwhile, members of Coimbatore wing of Students Federation of Inida (SFI) led by Dinesh Raja, gave a representation to the Coimbatore district SP, seeking speedy justice for Haritha. If no action came forth, the SFI plan to organise massive protests in Coimbatore, he added.
