Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
A senior professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at Pantnagar University, Satya Kumar, was dismissed on Wednesday following allegations of molestation made by female students. Dr. Kumar was found guilty after an investigation by the university’s Sexual Harassment and Gender Justice Committee, leading the Management Council to expel him with immediate effect.
The case first emerged on July 26, 2024, when second-year MSc students from the Plant Pathology and Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (MBGE) departments lodged a formal complaint against Kumar, accusing him of molestation. The students submitted a written complaint to the university administration, urging a thorough investigation. The administration suspended Kumar on July 29, assigning the Sexual Harassment and Gender Justice Committee to examine the allegations.
The committee’s investigation confirmed the charges against Kumar, concluding that his actions constituted misconduct. Subsequently, during its 249th meeting held on October 15, the Management Council reviewed the findings and deemed Kumar’s actions as prima facie evidence of sexual harassment. The council decided to terminate his services, stating the need for strong measures to deter future incidents and ensure a safe environment for female students.
In response to the dismissal, Kumar alleged that his caste played a significant role in the decision, claiming he faced discrimination as a Scheduled Caste member. “This action was taken solely on the students’ complaint against me. There have been other, more serious accusations against other professors, yet the administration took no concrete steps in those cases,” Kumar said. He further accused the Vice Chancellor of fostering divisions between employees from the hills and plains and promoting a divisive agenda, which he alleged has deepened rifts within the university community.
The university administration has not officially responded to these accusations. A spokesperson said, “We have acted sensitively and decisively in light of the investigation’s findings. Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of all students.”
