The inquiry into the allegation of sexual assault in a city-based government women’s college unearthed more such complaints from students. When the Committee on Prevention of Sexual Violence against Women and Children visited the college on Monday, five students accused six professors of sexual harassment. Not only that, students in the college hostel alleged harassment by an outsider.
V.S. Ugrappa, Chairman of the committee, said, “It was shocking. Students alleged that a man from the race course had entered the hostel and harassed them several times, sometimes wearing their undergarments. They also alleged that the police refused to register a complaint.”
The complaints by five students about harassment by six professors also caught them unawares.
“The college does not have a committee to address cases of sexual harassment as per the Vishaka Guidelines,” Mr. Ugrappa said.
The college has been asked to constitute a committee within 24 hours and inquire into the two cases and another that was reported eight months ago.
There are around 3,000 students in the college, which has 86 teaching and 16 non-teaching staff. There are 20 males among the staff.
Complainant won’t go to the police
Meanwhile, the student who complained against Begur Ramalingappa, a Kannada lecturer, appeared before the committee on Monday but refused to file a police complaint. “She does not want to make the rounds of the police station and court. So criminal action may not be possible at this point. But departmental action will be taken once the inquiry is completed,” Mr. Ugrappa said.
Police Commissioner Praveen Sood said, “We have been repeatedly asking the college management to lodge a complaint. But beyond media reports, no one is coming forward.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Ramalingappa said, “I am innocent. All this is a conspiracy. I have followed instructions of the department and reported to work in Jewargi. I have not seen the suspension order yet. I have not been given an opportunity to appear before the expert committee. I should be given a chance to explain my stance.”
He has been sent to Jewargi on deputation. He reported for duty on Monday.
Only female teachers?
The Committee on Prevention of Sexual Violence against Women and Children is examining the possibility of eliminating male staff in the all-women’s college. “We have sought a report from the college on whether it can function without the male staff. If there is no male staff, there will be no instance of sexual harassment,” said V.S. Ugrappa, Chairman of the committee.
