The Ministry of Human Resources and Development (MHRD) and the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) have sought an action-taken report from St. Stephen’s College on the sexual harassment case against professor Satish Kumar.
Mr. Kumar, who is an Assistant Professor in the Chemistry Department, has been accused of sexually harassing a girl who was pursuing Ph.D under him.
College Principal Valson Thampu said: “HRD ministry had sent a directive to Delhi University seeking a report in connection with the sexual harassment case. The communication was forwarded by DU Registrar to the college and I have sent a status report to the university”.
On being asked about his reply, Mr. Thampu said he has explained the sequence of events that unfolded from the day the girl approached him. “In my reply to the ministry, I have attached all relevant documents,” he added.
A Ph.D student had approached the North district police last week alleging that Mr. Kumar had molested her on October 15, 2013. She also accused him of stalking her, passing lewd remarks and making inappropriate physical contact for months before the incident and even threatening to “pour sulphuric acid on her if she didn’t wear a yellow sari to college.”
Mr. Kumar had on Tuesday evening resigned from the position of Bursar at St. Stephen’s College. “On Tuesday evening I received a text message from Kumar in which he expressed his inability to discharge the duties of a Bursar. Following his message, the college’s Governing Body decided that Kumar be relieved of all duties. A new appointment has been made,” Mr. Thampu said.
“The college’s treasurer Sudhir Joseph is the new Bursar. Kumar will continue as assistant professor,” he added.
