Protests escalate at Dharamshala campus over alleged assault on student by professor
The Newz Radar
Dharamshala: A demonstration was staged at the premises of Central University Shahpur in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, following allegations of physical assault by a professor on a research student in the department of Chemistry.
In response, the All India Students’ ABVP staged protests across all three campuses of the Central University, demanding the dismissal of teachers who have previously faced allegations of sexual harassment. During the protests, Rahul Rana, the secretary of the students’ union, highlighted several instances of sexual harassment within the university, questioning the administration’s failure to protect the sacred bond between teachers and students.
Amid the uproar, the students’ union padlocked the gates of the Dharamshala campus and protested outside the academic dean’s office, while also sealing off the premises at Shahpur and besieging the dean of academics. Consequently, the university administration has announced the formation of a high-power committee to investigate such incidents and has assured submission of a report within 15 days. Additionally, the accused professor has been terminated from his position.
Ritik Palsara, the state assistant secretary of the union, informed that attempts were made by the university’s administration to disrupt the protests led by the union. While one faction of the union demanded justice for the victimized student, another group attempted to breach the campus by breaking the locks installed by the union.
Such incidents highlight the concerning mentality fostered within the university and underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform within the educational system.
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