BHU: NCW seeks report in sexual harassment case against professor

In the wake of the protests by the BHU (Banaras Hindu University) students following the return of the professor suspended over allegations of sexual misconduct, the National Commission for Women(NCW) on Monday sought a report on the action taken by the University authorities in the matter. In a letter issues to BHU Vice-Chancellor Rakesh Bhatnagar, the NCW has stated that it is seriously perturbed by the reported incident and resentment among the students in the matter. Furthermore, a report has been sought by the women's panel in the case from BHIU's internal complaints committee (ICC).

"Considering the gravity of the matter, it is requested that the Commission be apprised of the detailed action taken report along with the report of the internal complaints committee," the NCW letter read.

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BHU students protest

The students at BHU has been protesting against the reinstatement of the professor allegedly accused of sexually harassing women students. Demanding the suspension and punishment for the professor, the students led a protest on Saturday night in the campus. As per reports, the professor allegedly made obscene remarks and vulgar comments at the women students during an academic trip to Odisha in October 2018. The students had filed a complaint against the professor to women’s grievance cell of the university and also submitted the complaint to Vice-Chancellor (VC) of the Executive Council, Rakesh Bhatnagar. Taking cognisance of the matter, the university has expelled the professor was expelled in October 2018, but now he has been reinstated by the authorities after an eight-month suspension, which triggered the protests by the students. 

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BHU assures action

In the aftermath of the protests, BHU Vice-Chancellor assured that the matter will be reconsidered and a review will be conducted by the executive council. Following the assurance by the BHU authorities, the students called off their strike. The authorities stated that the complaints received against Professor S K Chaube, Department of Zoology, raised by some students of the department were inquired into by the Complaints Committee at the university.

READ | BHU Prof gets reinstated after suspension due to sexual misconduct

READ | BHU: Chaube will be reviewed again, Vice-Chancellor promises students