Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sep 16: Even as the authorities of Shri Mata Vaisho Devi University (SMVDU) are learnt to have sent the accused Professor on leave following strong protest by the local students against alleged sexual harassment of a scholar, situation continued to remain tense at the campus today.
Sources said that in view of the intensified protests by the students and scholars, the SMVDU has shifted the accused Prof Hari Govind Mishra from the position of HoD Business School as well as Dean Students Welfare with immediate effect and sent him on leave till outcome of the decision of Internal Complaints Committee, which is looking into allegations of sexual harassment against him.
Sources said, Prof Jyoti Sharma of Business School and Sonika Gupta of Computer Science have been given the responsibility of HoD Business School and DSW, respectively. They said CEO SMVDSB Anshul Garg today visited the campus and took stock of the position.
Meanwhile, in a handout issued today, the University also admitted that its ICC has received a complaint from a female PhD Scholar regarding sexual harassment against a faculty member and enquiry proceedings into the complaint of the Scholar has been initiated by the ICC headed by a senior female faculty member.
“The University shall ensure that the enquiry is taken to its logical conclusion in a time bound manner and action as warranted under rules shall be taken. Meanwhile, the accused faculty member has been sent on leave and relieved of his official duties till the completion of the enquiry proceedings,” the handout read.
Though not confirmed, sources said that chairperson of Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) Prof Sharda has resigned from the post following alleged interference of the higher authorities for influencing the investigation into allegations of alleged sexual harassment but her resignation was not accepted. However, sources said that she has been removed from the position of Dean Academic Affairs, which she was holding.
Sources further said that the University authorities are also trying to change some members of the ICC to influence the investigation.
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