Three PG students raise sex abuse plaint against Kannur Uni. faculty
Synopsis
University Vice Chancellor had received anonymous letter last month, but ignored it. Later the victims wrote to Governor and Education Minister.
An inquiry panel constituted by Kannur University has recommended suspension of the Head of Mathematics Department of the University following complaints of sexual harassment by three postgraduate students. The panel found substance in the allegations and recommended suspension of the faculty, amid reports that the girl students were under pressure to withdraw complaints.
University Vice Chancellor had received anonymous letters alleging that the head of the Department of Mathematics summoned the students to his staff room and harassed them mentally and physically. The faculty inappropriately touched the body and approached them with sexual intentions, the complaint alleged. The incident took place last month. When the Vice Chancellor ignored the complaint, the victims sent it over to State Governor and Education Minister.
Following this, the university constituted a panel to look into the complaints. Primary investigation proved that the allegations were true and it recommended suspension of the teacher along with a detailed inquiry.
The head of the department, who is facing the allegations, rubbished the complaints and said he was the victim of a conspiracy.
Meanwhile, there are reports that the first-year postgraduate students who raised the allegations are under tremendous pressure from many parts, including some political parties, to withdraw their complaint.