8 months ago
DU Student Harassment Claims Spark Probe, Counterclaims
A student at the University of Delhi posted videos on social media accusing a professor of harassment and the Head of Department (HoD) of threatening her.
The university has formed a committee to investigate these allegations.
The student claims she was denied her exam admit card and pressured to withdraw her allegations.
Some students from the department, however, say it was just a normal discussion about grades, not harassment.
The student group ABVP has demanded a fair and independent inquiry.
The committee, led by the Director of South Campus, is expected to submit its report soon.
The university has also noted concerns about the student's attendance and behavior, which will be examined by the committee.
A student at the University of Delhi alleged harassment by a professor and threats by the HoD in social media videos.
The university formed a three-member committee to investigate the allegations.
The student claims she was denied her exam admit card and pressured to withdraw her allegations.
Students from the Department of African Studies refuted the allegations, describing the incident as a routine academic disagreement.
The ABVP demanded a fair, transparent, and independent inquiry into the matter, while the DUSU Vice President emphasized waiting for the committee's decision.
- Who
- A student at the University of Delhi, the university administration, and students from the Department of African Studies
- What
- Allegations of harassment by a professor and subsequent threats by the HoD, countered by claims of a routine academic disagreement
- Where
- University of Delhi, South Campus
- When
- The incident was reported last week, and the committee is expected to submit its report within 2-3 days
- Why
- To investigate the allegations of harassment and threats made by the student and address the counterclaims
Student's Allegations
University and Students' Counterclaims
Nature of Incident
Student's Allegations
The student claims harassment by a professor and threats by the HoD, including pressure to delete videos and denial of exam admit card.
University and Students' Counterclaims
The university and students from the department describe it as a routine academic disagreement over internal assessment marks, not harassment.
Evidence and Process
Student's Allegations
The student presents social media videos and audio recordings as evidence of harassment and institutional pressure.
University and Students' Counterclaims
The university and students argue that formal grievance redressal mechanisms were bypassed, leading to misinformation and reputational harm.
Institutional Response
Student's Allegations
The student feels the university is not supportive and has pressured her to withdraw her allegations.
University and Students' Counterclaims
The university has formed an inquiry committee and emphasizes due process and formal channels for addressing concerns.
Key facts
- Institution
- University of Delhi
- Allegation
- Harassment by professor and threats by HoD
- Action Taken
- Formation of a three-member inquiry committee
- Committee Chairperson
- Rajni Abbi, Director of Delhi University’s South Campus
- Student's Claim
- Threatened by HoD, denied admit card, pressured to withdraw allegations
- ABVP's Demand
- Fair, transparent, and independent inquiry
- Committee Report Deadline
- 2-3 days
- Counterclaim
- Routine academic disagreement over internal assessment marks
- Student's Evidence
- Social media videos, audio recordings, and WhatsApp attendance records
Quotes
Chitra Singh
Delhi University student who made allegations of harassment and intimidation.
“You’re a very small part of this university; we can ruin your life.”
freepressjournal.in
“Education is a right, not something I will beg for.”
freepressjournal.in
Students from the Department of African Studies, University of Delhi
Students from the Department of African Studies, University of Delhi, who issued a public statement addressing the viral harassment allegations.
“Such questioning and evaluation fall within normal academic practice and categorically it was not a case of sexual or financial harassment.”
freepressjournal.in
“Bypassing established grievance redressal mechanisms and resorting to social media has led to misinformation, reputational harm, and unnecessary fear.”
freepressjournal.in
Rahul Yadav Jhansla
DUSU Vice President and member of NSUI who commented on the allegations.
“Whatever has happened, if something like this has occurred, then it is wrong, and I mean, it will depend on the decision of the committee that has been formed. Right now, we cannot blame either the professor or the girl. We cannot blame anyone based solely on the video.”
freepressjournal.in
“According to the students, he is the backbone of that department. The entire department depends on him. Yes, the students and the present HOD also say the same thing, and the previous HOD also said that he is the backbone of this department.”
freepressjournal.in
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)
A student organization that demanded a fair, transparent, and independent investigation into the matter.
“ABVP believes that the safety, respect, and rights of female students are paramount, and therefore, it is essential that the process of justice is impartial. In this sensitive case, a thorough and lawful investigation of the facts should be conducted, and appropriate action should be taken. Therefore, it is extremely important that the university administration acts with seriousness, sensitivity, and institutional responsibility in every case.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
DU forms inquiry panel after student claims harassment by professor, posts video on social media
A new rule shows how little Delhi University trusts its teachers
Delhi University 'Academic Harassment' Allegations: Viral Videos Trigger Outrage, Counterclaims And Calls For Probe
Sexual Harassment: NCW Seeks ‘Action Taken Report’ From NSU
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