2 days ago
Kashmir University Removes Chemistry Head Amid Harassment Probe
A student at the Central University of Kashmir complained about a chemistry professor.
The student said he had made inappropriate comments about women students and had asked one student to be his date.
The university has taken him off his department leadership job while it looks into the complaint.
Another professor will coordinate the department for now.
The university says it will question the people involved.
It says further action will depend on what the inquiry finds.
The allegations have not been established in the article.
Central University of Kashmir removed chemistry department head Chinnappan Baskar from his leadership and other official assignments pending an inquiry.
The university assigned assistant professor Prashant Kumar Gupta to coordinate the chemistry department until further notice.
A student alleged Baskar had made inappropriate comments about women students over a long period.
The student said concern escalated after Baskar allegedly asked a woman student to be his date.
The university said it would question the professor and students, and take action if sexual harassment is established.
- Who
- Central University of Kashmir chemistry head Chinnappan Baskar, a student who made allegations, and university officials.
- What
- Baskar was removed from departmental leadership and other official assignments pending an inquiry into a sexual harassment complaint.
- Where
- Central University of Kashmir, Kashmir.
- When
- The decision took effect immediately; the article says campus protests and the complaint came amid events that week.
- Why
- The university acted while investigating allegations of inappropriate comments and sexual harassment.
Complainant's allegations
University's pending inquiry
Conduct toward students
Complainant's allegations
A student alleged Baskar had made inappropriate comments about women students over a long period and said he asked a student to be his date.
University's pending inquiry
The university has not said the allegations are proven; it said the complaint would be investigated and those involved questioned.
Next steps
Complainant's allegations
Campus protests followed the allegations, and the professor was removed from his departmental and official assignments pending the enquiry.
University's pending inquiry
The registrar said action would be taken if sexual harassment is established.
Key facts
- University
- Central University of Kashmir (CUK)
- Professor
- Chinnappan Baskar, associate professor and former chemistry department head
- Interim coordinator
- Prashant Kumar Gupta, assistant professor in chemistry
- Administrative action
- Baskar was attached to the Dean of Academic Affairs' office and relieved of departmental and official assignments, including headship.
- Inquiry
- The university said the professor and students would be questioned.
- University statement
- Registrar Nisar Ahmad Mir said action would be taken if sexual harassment is established.
Quotes
A student
A student discussing the allegations against Baskar.
“Things came to a boil this week after he asked a girl to be his date.”
telegraphindia.com
Nisar Ahmad Mir
Registrar of the Central University of Kashmir.
“Action will be taken in case any sexual harassment is established.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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