PANAJI
Even six days after Women Police station booked Goa University’s Assistant professor in a sexual harassment case, the Varsity is yet to suspend the accused teacher pending report from its Internal Complaint Committee (ICC).
Police had on August 30 booked the teacher under Sections 354 (sexual assault) and 354A (sexual harassment) of the Indian Penal Code based on the complaint filed by the student’s father.
The father of the girl student in his complaint alleged that the teacher touched his daughter inappropriately and that he had reported the matter to the university authorities who failed to take action against the accused teacher.
Sources informed that Vice Chancellor Harilal Menon has directed its Internal Complaint Committee to conduct a thorough investigation and submit the report for further action, at the earliest. “The action against the professor would be taken only after the Committee submits its report,” sources said, adding that the committee has already recorded the statement of the victim and other students.
Meanwhile, the National Students Union of India (NSUI) Goa Unit on Monday gheraoed Vice Chancellor over Varsity failure to act against the professor. They also alleged involvement of a police officer, overseeing Interns from Goa University.
The delegation questioned the delay in initiating action against the professor, when a case has already been filed by police.
“This (sexual harassment) heinous act is not only a violation of the student's rights but also a grave breach of the university's commitment to providing a safe and respectful learning environment. We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into this matter, with protection for the victim's identity and rights. The accused professor must face appropriate disciplinary actions and should be suspended immediately,” NSUI demanded in their representation submitted to Menon and also to the Chancellor and Goa Governor PS Sreedharan Pillai.
NSUI said that the sexual harassment by a Police Officer Overseeing Interns, is equally distressing and this not only jeopardizes the well-being of these young individuals but also undermines the trust in law enforcement.
NSUI pointed out that ICC did not take any action since May, when the student had first filed their complaint.
