Jammu University students demand suspension of prof

JAMMU: Students of the computer science department in Jammu University staged a sit-in dharna in front of the vice-chancellor’s office on Tuesday to demand action against a professor accused of sexual harassment.

A post-graduate student of the said department has levelled the allegations. Expressing solidarity with the complainant, students demanded that the accused professor be suspended and the inquiry be expedited.

Speaking during the protest, the complainant accused said, “Professor Shubhnandan Singh is of loose character and often passes lewd comments. Some days back, he failed me in his subject. Following this, he called me to his room and told that I can pass in lieu of some sexual favours. He immediately started touching my private parts. However, I resisted and came out of the room,” the complainant said.

She added that it has been 15 days since she lodged a complaint with the sexual harassment committee of the college. “I gave the committee a recording as an evidence. Despite this the committee says it will pronounce the ruling in three months time,” she said.

Meanwhile, dean (student welfare) Professor Satnam Kour said, “The sexual harassment committee is investigating the matter. I have learnt that the screening committee has submitted its report on Tuesday.”

Head of the sexual harassment committee, Professor Meena Sharma said, “The screening committee met on Tuesday and the inquiry process has been initiated.”