Assam University is contemplating the dismissal of an assistant professor following allegations of sexual harassment against students. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rajive Mohan Pant stated the institution is committed to delivering justice, referencing previous instances where faculty accused of sexual misconduct under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act were terminated. “We will ensure that justice is delivered in this case,” he emphasized in a statement to The Assam Tribune.
An internal inquiry has commenced, with assurances that the investigation will be conducted impartially. The controversy erupted after students, supported by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Assistant Professor Ajit Kumar Jena. Demonstrating their outrage, students staged a protest demanding both his immediate arrest and the expulsion from the university.
A student who wishes to remain anonymous described the faculty member’s remarks towards female classmates as “shameful and unmentionable,” escalating concerns about social and mental distress among students. “We demand his immediate arrest and termination,” the student insisted.
Cachar Superintendent of Police Numal Mahatta confirmed that an investigation is currently underway to apprehend the accused. In an unexpected twist, Jena has lodged a counter-FIR, alleging harassment by students, which he claims is motivated by caste issues.
Dr. P.K. Nath, the university registrar, voiced concerns about the rising number of such complaints, asserting that it has become a pressing issue for the university administration. “The students have expressed deep anguish,” he noted, highlighting the gravity of the situation. This incident marks Assam University’s second encounter with such serious allegations in two months. In February, a staff member was arrested for allegedly molesting a minor within the Department of Law.
The police are rigorously pursuing the case, which is being investigated under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act. The university’s proactive approach in addressing allegations of sexual misconduct signals a commitment to fostering a safe educational environment, while also emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation to uphold justice.
As these incidents unfold, the university community and the public are keenly awaiting further developments, which could impact both the accused and the institution’s reputation. The call for accountability in matters of harassment is becoming increasingly urgent, reflecting a broader societal imperative to address and prevent such issues in academic settings.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/assam-university-mulls-termination-of-professor-accused-of-sexual-harassment-1576352
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Publish Date: 2025-05-05 20:36:00
