Nalanda student suspended for sexual abuse, faces prospect of rustication

A student of Nalanda University (NU), accused in a sexual harassment case, was suspended on Wednesday and faces the prospect of rustication.

Upon approval from NU chancellor Dr Vijay Bhatkar, the accused student was put under suspension, confirmed NU communications director Smita Polite.

Polite said the complaint regarding the sexual harassment came before the V-C in January and was referred to the internal complaints committee, which examined the case in the light of the evidence furnished and found the charges to be true.

Though the victim and a few other students alleged the harassment continued for several months, it was officially recorded in January itself.

The session of both the students will end in a couple of months.

“On the basis of the recommendation of the committee, received on March 20, it was decided to take stern action against the student, who is in the university since 2015, and so is the victim. However, as Pankaj Mohan is an interim V-C, he decided to take the nod of the chancellor for the rustication — the first in NU,” she added.

The communications director said in the meantime, the university decided to shift the boy from the hostel.

According to sources, the boy initially refused to leave the hostel, while other students protested against the delay in action.

“Finally, police had to be called as the students seemed firm on immediate action. Once the police came, the students also aired their grievances,” she said, adding that there was no question of protecting anyone.

“University officials were in touch with students and due process of law will be followed.”

Some of the students said despite the recommendation of the committee nearly a month ago, stern action against the accused was still awaited, which pointed to attempts to save him.