Atul Johri, a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University, accused of sexually harassing eight students from the School of Life Sciences (SLS) did not reach Vasant Kunj (north) police station on Monday to record his statement even as demands for his arrest grew stronger on campus. However, out of the nine complainants, four women recorded their statement before a magistrate under CrPC Section 164.
Professor’s assurance
The police said the professor has assured them of responding to police notice and that he would join the investigation on Tuesday morning. After demand for nine separate FIRs against the professor grew stronger, the Delhi Police clarified that they are taking legal opinion in the case.
“At present, more relevant sections under IPC will be added to the existing FIR as per the nature of complaint submitted by each complainant. We have already registered an FIR under IPC Section 354 (Sexual harassment) and 509 [Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman],” said a senior police official.
Request for transfer
Meanwhile, a request from the south-west district has also been made to transfer the case to Crime Branch for detailed probe. The JNUSU continued its demand for Mr. Johri’s arrest and said that since the FIR has been registered, he should be interrogated in custody and not given time to protect himself. “By giving him more time, Delhi Police is actively protecting him”, said the JNUSU.
On campus during the day, SLS students organised a protest demanding Prof. Johri’s suspension and finding new labs for his students so that their academic work does not suffer. The administration, however, has still not taken any action against the professor.
The SLS students were joined by a large group of other students, teachers, alumni and other concerned citizens as they marched to the Vasant Kunj police station demanding Mr. Johri’s arrest. There was a brief scuffle at the barricade set up outside the station between students and the police but the students remained calm and continued to protest till late in the night.
Several teachers during the day also demanded for registration of separate FIRs in all eight complaints of sexual harassment filed against Mr. Johri. “We seek an assurance from the Delhi Police to take measures to ensure that Prof. Johri is prevented from making any contact with the complainants,” the teachers said.
They also said the DCP should intervene to ensure the complainants’ health and safety are safeguarded as they are facing, according to the professors, tremendous amount of pressure and intimidation to make them compromise.
